The Desert Vipers were handed only their second defeat in nine outings, losing to MI Emirates by four wickets in Dubai.
Put into bat, the Desert Vipers struggled to score on a tough pitch. Dan Lawrence top-scored with an unbeaten 35 as the side scrambled to 124 for seven in their 20 overs.
The MI Emirates spinners, led by Player of the Match Shakib Al Hasan (two for 14), kept a tight hold on the scoring and MI used 12 overs of spin during the innings.
With the Vipers already guaranteed a top-two spot in the league table – and therefore two chances to reach the final via the post-season play-offs – the franchise took the opportunity to give opportunities to UAE players Matiullah Khan and Sanjay Pahal and both contributed positively: Matiullah excelled with the ball, claiming two wickets—including MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard.
Ultimately however, MI Emirates reached their target comfortably, with 15 balls to spare.
Match Scores:
Toss: MI Emirates
Desert Vipers: 124/7(20 overs)
Top scorer: Dan Lawrence 35 not out
MI Emirates: 128/6 (17.3 overs)
Top scorer: Kieron Pollard 26 (15 deliveries)
Match Result: MI Emirates won by four wickets
Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan 17 not out and 2-14
Here are some quotes from the Vipers Voices post-match vodcast and podcast featuring Desert Vipers Head Coach James Foster:
On the team putting up a good fight against MI Emirates in tough conditions:
““It was a really interesting game. I really enjoy being involved in these types of games and these types of surfaces.
“It was a tricky pitch, (and we) managed to get to a score which I thought was very defendable, and I actually was really pleased with the amount of fight and courage and effort and scrap shown today. Obviously (we were up) against a very good side in Mumbai. I am delighted with the effort. The result did not go our way, but there were a lot of good things on show.”
On how much the team missed the services of Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmed, who has departed for the SA20 competition:
“Noor has been wonderful for us this season. He really has. He is a match winner.
“We spoke about Noor (on Vipers Voices) before the competition started and mentioned the threat that he possesses for the opposition. He is world-class and he has been so much fun for us as well off the pitch. So, obviously (he is) a big loss, but we have still got some good options within our stables.”
On Lockie Ferguson and an update on his injury:
“He has an issue with the calf. He has got it strapped up at the moment. We will be going for a scan, etc. It is a real shame seeing that he has worked so hard to get back on the park after an injury during the back end of the men’s Hundred in the English season this year.
He has been working tirelessly and I actually thought he bowled really well today. I know he bowled just nine balls, but he looked quick, he looked on song, he had a great rhythm and unfortunately it is just one of those things.”
On giving UAE players Matiullah Khan and Sanjay Pahal the opportunity to play in the match against MI Emirates:
“They were brilliant today and they really impressed. Obviously this was their first chance as although Mati’ played early on in the season, he did not get the opportunity to bowl when we played Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sharjah. I thought they were both outstanding today.
“Kudos to Azhar (Mahmood). He has been working really hard with them all the way through since we have reported. They are two great guys and they have not had a huge amount of opportunity this season, but their character has really shone through.
“Part of the reason we selected them is that they have been constantly smiling, constantly giving to the team and I thought they did a wonderful job today, especially with the ball.
“Sanjay obviously swung the ball, and he has got good skills. They (MI Emirates) tried to counter his swing by using their feet, but it was very promising. Also, Mati’, coming in halfway through our innings, he used his change-ups ( and they were effective). I am delighted for the pair of them.”
On how the Desert Vipers will approach the final group game of their campaign and how important a win will be for the team in the game against Sharjah Warriorz on December 26th:
“It is the nature of the beast of this format. Yes, you want to win every single game, but it is not always the case. We will be preparing like we always do, preparing to win, putting the best team forward for that game.
“Today, it was about trying to give a few guys a bit of a rest, because, as I said, it has been a very gruelling season. You chat to players from the opposite teams as well. The guys are picking up some niggles here and there.
“So, we will be doing our work. We will have a little bit of training, then Christmas Day, which will be a great moment for the team. We are thoroughly looking forward to getting together as a great big unit and then excited about the game on the 26th.”
The Desert Vipers next play the Sharjah Warriorz on Friday, December 26th, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, starting at 6:30 pm.
