Alex Hales played a decisive role as Desert Vipers chased down 162 with six wickets in hand, scoring a brilliant 65 off 39 balls to set up a successful run chase against MI Emirates in the International League T20. His innings anchored the Vipers’ batting effort, combining power, precision, and situational awareness to keep the chase on track from the outset.
MI Emirates, batting first, had posted a competitive 161/7 thanks to a balanced batting performance. Their innings featured sensible starts from the top order, productive contributions through the middle, and a late–innings surge that ensured they posted a target that would test any chasing side. The Vipers knew they’d need intent from ball one and a composed effort to stay ahead of the required rate.
Desert Vipers’ chase began with intent, and Alex Hales was at the center of the plan. From his very first boundary, it was clear he was in control — timing the ball sweetly and finding gaps with excellent precision. Rather than relying solely on brute force, Hales mixed placement with power, using his experience to assess the bowlers’ plans and respond intelligently.
During the powerplay, Hales combined aggression with smart judgment. He targeted boundaries against anything overpitched and placed his shots well to square of the wicket. His quick singles also prevented pressure from building, stopping dot balls from stacking up and keeping the run rate under control. By the time the Vipers completed the first six overs, Hales had already provided the backbone of a chase that was moving comfortably.
As the innings progressed into the middle overs, Hales continued to find gaps and punish anything slightly loose. His shot selection was excellent — crisp cuts, well–timed drives, and powerful pulls kept the scoreboard ticking even when the bowling was disciplined. His ability to rotate the strike effectively ensured that he never let pressure build at the other end, allowing his partners to play freely around him.
One of the defining aspects of Hales’ innings was how he handled changes in bowling tactics. When MI Emirates brought spinners into the attack, he used his feet confidently and disrupted lengths with well–timed acceleration. Against pace, he leaned back into his powerful drives and punished anything short or wide. This adaptability kept the momentum firmly with the Vipers.
As the required rate climbed, Hales remained unfazed. He continued to pick his moments to attack, balancing risks with clear judgment. When he reached his fifty, the confidence was obvious — not just in his shot-making but in the way he marshaled the chase, communicating clearly with partners and maintaining calm under pressure.
His dismissal for 65 runs off 39 balls was met with applause from both sides — not because it slowed the chase, but because by then the Vipers were already firmly in control. The foundation he laid meant that the remaining batters could finish the job with clarity and confidence.
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