GG vs DV Highlights: ILT20 5th Match, Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers

The 5th match of the ILT20 2025 witnessed an exciting clash between the Gulf Giants (GG) and the Desert Vipers (DV) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Desert Vipers emerged victorious, defeating the Gulf Giants by 6 wickets with 14 balls to spare. Here’s a detailed highlight of the match:

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DV vs GG Match Highlights on Youtube

1st Innings: Gulf Giants’ Struggles with the Bat

Batting Performance

• The Gulf Giants were off to a shaky start as opener Adam Lyth fell in the very first over, dismissed lbw by Mohammad Amir for just 1 run.
• Captain James Vince was the standout performer, carrying his bat with a brilliant 76 off 62 balls*, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. He held the innings together despite wickets falling at the other end.
• The middle order collapsed under pressure, with players like Jordan Cox (1), Ollie Robinson (0), and Shimron Hetmyer (8) failing to contribute significantly.
• Late contributions from Aayan Afzal Khan (15 off 18) and Mark Adair (4 off 2) provided minor relief, but the Giants could only post 119/9 in their 20 overs.

Bowling Brilliance by Desert Vipers

• Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a sensational spell of 3/22 in his 4 overs, breaking the backbone of the Giants’ batting.
• Mohammad Amir impressed with 2/23 in his full quota, including the crucial wicket of James Vince.
• Sam Curran displayed his all-round prowess, taking 1/12 in 3 overs and contributing with 2 catches.
• Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with 1/21, controlling the middle overs effectively.

2nd Innings: Desert Vipers Chase with Ease

Batting Performance

• The Desert Vipers had a shaky start, losing Fakhar Zaman (7) and Dan Lawrence (0) within the first two overs, with Mark Adair striking twice.
• Alex Hales steadied the innings with 20 off 30, but his dismissal left the Vipers at 56/3.
• The match turned with an unbeaten partnership between Sam Curran (42 off 43)* and *Sherfane Rutherford (40 off 18)**.
  • Curran played a composed knock, anchoring the chase with 4 fours and 1 six.
  • Rutherford’s blistering innings, including 3 fours and 3 sixes, sealed the game in style, as the Vipers reached the target of 120 in just 17.4 overs.

Bowling Efforts by Gulf Giants

• Mark Adair stood out with a brilliant spell of 2/12 in 4 overs, putting pressure on the Vipers early.
• Blessing Muzarabani took 1/36, while Tymal Mills contributed with 1/23.
• Despite their efforts, the Giants couldn’t contain Curran and Rutherford’s partnership, which proved to be a game-changer.

Key Performances of the Match

• Player of the Match: Sam Curran (DV)
  • Batting: 42* (43)
  • Bowling: 1/12 in 3 overs
  • Fielding: 2 catches
• Cricinfo’s MVP: James Vince (GG)
  • Batting: 76* (62)

Match Summary

• Gulf Giants: 119/9 (20 overs)
  • Top scorer: James Vince (76*)
  • Best bowler (DV): Lockie Ferguson (3/22)
• Desert Vipers: 121/4 (17.4 overs)
  • Top scorer: Sam Curran (42*), Sherfane Rutherford (40*)
  • Best bowler (GG): Mark Adair (2/12)
• Result: Desert Vipers won by 6 wickets (14 balls remaining).

Wrap Up

The Desert Vipers secured a well-deserved victory, thanks to Sam Curran’s all-round brilliance and Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive batting. The Gulf Giants’ lack of partnerships and an underwhelming total made it difficult to defend, despite a strong bowling effort.