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How did the Desert Vipers storm into the ILT20 final? Andries Gous’ record-breaking ton had all the answers

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The Desert Vipers booked their place in the DP World ILT20 Season 4 final in emphatic fashion, hammering MI Emirates by 45 runs in Qualifier 1 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, and it was Andries Gous who stole the spotlight in a night to remember.

Gous was simply unstoppable. The right-hander smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 58 balls, becoming the first player from an Associate Nation to score a century in ILT20 history, and not just that, it was the highest individual score the league has ever seen. Big stage, big moment, even bigger innings.

Opening alongside Fakhar Zaman, Gous set the tone early as the Vipers cruised through the powerplay without loss. Once the shackles came off, there was no stopping them. The duo stitched together a record-breaking 157-run opening stand, the highest in ILT20 history, tearing into the MI Emirates attack from all angles.

Fakhar played the perfect foil, recovering from a slow start to race to a fluent 69, while Gous powered his way to a 29-ball fifty and later a 53-ball hundred. When Sam Curran joined the party at the death, the fireworks intensified. Curran’s unbeaten 38 off just 12 balls, including 20 runs in the final over, pushed the Vipers to a mammoth 233 for 1, the highest total of Season 4.

Chasing 234 was always going to be a tall order, but MI Emirates came out swinging. Muhammad Waseem and Tom Banton gave the chase early momentum, with Banton racing to a quickfire half-century. Just as MI looked ready to threaten, debutant Usman Tariq turned the game on its head.

Bowling with remarkable composure, Tariq picked up three crucial wickets — including Banton and Kieron Pollard, to halt the chase in its tracks. Once the middle order collapsed, the result was all but sealed. Despite a late flourish from Romario Shepherd, MI Emirates were restricted to 188 for 7.

For the Vipers, it means a third final appearance in four seasons, and this time, they arrive with serious momentum. MI Emirates, meanwhile, still has a lifeline and will face the winner of the Eliminator for another shot at the title.

One thing’s certain: on this night in Abu Dhabi, Andries Gous didn’t just play an innings, he made ILT20 history.


With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Sports

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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