'We are slowly building momentum' - Sherfane Rutherford as ADKR trump Gulf Giants

With the battle for the playoffs heating up in the ILT20, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) recorded their second win on the trot, defeating Gulf Giants by four wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Piyush Chawla bagged the Player of the Match for his 4/27, restricting the opponents to 165/7. Alex Hales (46 off 39) and Phil Salt (35 off 24) also played their part in helping ADKR chase down the target, while Sherfane Rutherford also contributed at the backend of the innings to get his side

over the line.

The West Indian scored 30 off 22 balls to help ADKR register a crucial win, keeping them in the hunt for the playoff spot. With that win, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders rose to fourth place on the points table with six points to their name.

Reflecting on the team’s win, the West Indian all-rounder shared:

“As a team, it hasn’t been the best season, but good teams find ways of bouncing back. The guys are getting good performances at the right time. In every game, different players are putting their hands up. We are slowly building into the momentum that we're looking for. So, I'm looking forward to the rest of the games.”

Rutherford also shared an insight into his game plan and strategy, especially towards the backend of the innings.

“When I looked at the bowling line-up and also the short side of the boundary, I was definitely going to use that in my matchup,” he said.

“It was just a calculated risk. I had already planned to try to get at least two boundaries, but I got three. That was the turning point in the game, and I’m happy we got over the line”, he added.

Summing up the team’s performance on the day, Rutherford stated,

“The way Piyush Chawla bowled tonight was definitely special. As a batting unit, we didn't win convincingly, but I think as a team, we will take it. Our first goal is to qualify for the playoffs, and we want to focus on that.”

Highlighting his own performances so far this season, Rutherford believes that there is still more to come from him in the tournament. 

“Nothing is guaranteed in cricket. My preparation before the game is really good, and in life, everything comes at the right time. Sometimes, if you go chasing, you can be too desperate. So, I’m just trying to be in the moment and let everything come to me. The good performance is going to come," he mentioned.

Although this is Rutherford’s first season with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the all-rounder has a wealth of international experience while also being part of various franchise leagues around the globe.

“It’s a great tournament. I was very fortunate to be from the start and still playing. It's always great to be in Dubai. It's a wonderful place, good wickets, and definitely has a great atmosphere to be in. I'm very excited for the journey and hopefully I can continue," he concluded.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will take on the third-placed MI Emirates at Zayed Cricket Stadium in the next game on Saturday.