Dream debut for UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer in ILT20 League

Sharjah: UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer couldn’t have asked for a better start to his career as the debutant guided Desert Vipers to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sharjah Warriorz in the DP World ILT20 League at the Sharjah Stadium on Saturday.

Tanveer then ripped through the middle and lower order with an excellent four-wicket haul to extend Vipers’ lead at the top of the six-team points table as the Season 3 heads to the home stretch.

The 25-year-old accounted for Tim Seifert for 16 runs, Rohan Mustafa, Luke Wood, and Tim Southee, finishing with figures of four wickets for 22 runs. “Whenever I play cricket, I truly enjoy it without feeling any pressure. The captain gave me a clear plan to hit the deck hard, and I simply executed it, which led to taking wickets. Overall, I’m really enjoying my time out there,” Tanveer said after winning the Player of the Match award.

Alex Hales and Sam Curran powered Desert Vipers with stunning 128-run partnership off just 65 balls turned a modest chase of 152 into a one-sided affair, with Hales smashing a 36-ball half-century and Curran following with a blistering 33-ball fifty. The duo ensured the Vipers sealed the win in 14.5 overs to inch closer to the play-offs stage

Earlier, David Payne set the tone for the Vipers with a sharp spell of two wickets. Jason Roy made a spirited contribution for the Warriorz with 55 runs in 38 balls. His dismissal in the 17th over, courtesy of Mohammed Amir, derailed the death overs. Ashton Agar chipped in with a crucial late cameo. Remaining unbeaten on 15 runs, including two sixes, pushing the total to 151/8 in 20 overs.

Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee said: “We got ourselves into a good position but lost too many wickets in the back half. We’ve shown glimpses of quality but haven’t been able to string enough together. With four games left, the equation is pretty simple. It was tough in the first few overs, and we needed to take regular wickets. On a positive note, it was great to see Jason Roy back in form”

Brief scores: Desert Vipers beat Sharjah Warriorz by eight wickets. Sharjah Warriorz 151/8 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 55, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 42, Khuzaima Tanveer 4 for 22, David Payne 2 for 33) Desert Vipers 152/2 in 14.5 overs (Alex Hales 77 not out, Sam Curran 54 not out, Adam Milne 2 for 17). Player of the Match: Khuzaima Tanveer.