ILT20 2023: Twitter reacts as Tom Curran masterclass helps Desert Vipers book their place in final

Desert Vipers took on the Gulf Giants in Qualifier 1 of the inaugural edition of the ILT20. Gulf Giants won the all important toss and chose to bowl first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

The decision to bowl first was a stroke of magic as the Giants picked up early wickets in the form of Colin Munro, Alex Hales and Rohan Mustafa within the powerplay. The Vipers were reeling at 36 for three and it was upto Sam Billings and Wanindu Hasaranga to take the innings forward and did so by building a solid partnership of 60 runs.

Both the set batters were sent packing in quick succession. But a strong finish from Tom Curran and Sherfane Rutherford took the side to an above par total of 178 for the loss of seven wickets. 

Gulf Giants started brilliantly as they smashed 53 runs in the powerplay without losing any wickets. It was a completely different ball game post six overs, as the tide turned towards the bowling side who kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

The heroes of the first innings, Tom Curran and Hasaranga, combined to take seven wickets for the side and didn't leave any room for error. Unfortunately the target was daunting to be chased down for the Giants, and fell short by 19 runs

What's next for both the teams?

Gulf Giants have another chance to reach the final as they finished top of the league table. They would face the winner of the eliminator on Friday. On the other hand, Desert Vipers have reached the final of the inaugural edition of the International league T20 and will face the winner the of Qualifier Two in the final.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Desert Vipers' victory : -

One more step to go. @TheDesertVipers @CricViz #FangsOut #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/q87zL7kNbh

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) February 8, 2023

The @TheDesertVipers supporters are a VIBE 🤩#ALeagueApart #DPWorldILT20 #GGvDV pic.twitter.com/O5UTyubhMz

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) February 8, 2023

Avram Glazer, Chairman Lancer Capital - owners of @TheDesertVipers & Rajiv Bakshi - COO, Revenue, Zee Entertainment, watch the first qualifier game of the #DPWorldILT20 with complete attention at the @DubaiStadium!🤩#ALeagueApart #GGvDV pic.twitter.com/0gU0QFHsWU

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) February 8, 2023

Desert Vipers ki shaandar shuruaat. 👌

#RohanMustafa ke 2️⃣ #Bawaal maximums. 🤯

Catch the LIVE action on @ilt20onzee #GGvDV #CricketOnZee #DPWorldILT20 #BawaalFinalWeek @TheDesertVipers @GulfGiants pic.twitter.com/mJC2CMrHZi

— ZeeCinema (@zeecinema) February 8, 2023

TIME TO BACK GULF GIANTS AT EVERY ODDS#ILT20 pic.twitter.com/CpnAN9qIlO

— Apu (@apu_ACM) February 8, 2023

Avram Glazer here in the Royal Box in Dubai to watch his Desert Vipers cricket team. He needs to stay away, tho. They’re struggling v Gulf Giants, and lost the previous game he came to as well. Still, only a short flight from here to Qatar to negotiate selling #mufc … #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/YdGkXjnOCT

— Paul Radley (@PaulRadley) February 8, 2023

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ft. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 #DPWorldILT20 🤩

We are ready to paint Dubai in ❤️🖤#DesertVipers #ALeagueApart #FangsOut #GGvDV #Playoffs #Qualifier1 @ILT20Official pic.twitter.com/mEGDW7QJEq

— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) February 8, 2023

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