ILT20 2024: Shaheen Afridi celebrates thrilling last-ball win with bat throw

Shaheen Shah Afridi. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

In a pulsating encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, the Desert Vipers clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over MI Emirates in the 14th match of ILT20 season 2. The game went down to the wire and culminated in a last-ball finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. The climax of the match saw Shaheen Afridi seal the win for the Vipers with a dramatic dive and throw of his bat in jubilation. 

Needing three runs off the final delivery, Afridi’s decisive sprint secured the victory and capped off a nail-biting contest that swung back and forth until the very end. MI Emirates, batting first, struggled against the disciplined bowling attack of Mohammad Amir, Luke Wood, and Matheesha Pathirana. Despite a resilient effort from Ambati Rayudu, Akeal Hosein, and Tim David, they were restricted to 149 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Here’s the video of Shaheen Afridi’s celebration:

Emirates succumb despite early assault with the ball 

In response, the Vipers faced early setbacks as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Rohan Mustafa and Alex Hales fell victim to the impressive bowling of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Muhammad Rohid, which left the Vipers reeling at 28 for 4. However, Azam Khan’s aggressive cameo, coupled with Wanindu Hasaranga’s valuable contribution kept the Vipers in the hunt. Yet, when Hasaranga departed, caught brilliantly by Trent Boult, Emirates appeared to have the upper hand.

Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The dynamic batter unleashed a blistering 35-run onslaught as it injected new life into the Vipers’ chase and set up a thrilling finale. His aggressive approach turned the tide in favor of the Vipers and ignited hopes of an unlikely victory. With 17 runs needed from the final 12 deliveries, Shaheen Afridi and Luke Wood displayed nerves of steel as they maneuvered the Vipers closer to the target. The tension reached its zenith when they faced the formidable challenge of Trent Boult in the last over.