ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — If the Kieron Pollard-led MI Emirates are to advance to the final of the International League T20 they will have to do so through a second qualifier after they were thoroughly dispatched by 45 runs by the Desert Vipers in the first qualifier here on Tuesday.

Led by a sensational batting display by Andries Gous, the Vipers posted a mammoth 233 for one in their 20 overs at Zayed Cricket Stadium, after being sent in to bat.

Despite a promising start, the Emirates never really posed a serious threat and were eventually restricted to 188 for seven.

Gous’s unbeaten 120 off just 58 balls was the highest-ever score in the ILT20. During his 98-minute knock Gous lashed nine sixes and seven fours in a memorable performance.

He shared a match-winning opening partnership of 157 in 16 overs with Fakhar Zaman, who made 69 off 50 balls.

And once Zaman was dismissed, Captain Sam Curran belted a boundary-laden 38 off 12 deliveries, with four sixes and two fours, to propel the Vipers to their eventual total.

Needing a solid start, the Emirates lost Andre Fletcher for just four before a partnership of 81 between Muhammad Waseem, who made 41, and Tom Banton, who scored 63, carried them to 108 for one in the 11th over.

But the Emirates would lose five wickets for just 27 runs to slump to 135 for six in the 16th over, ending any chances they had of reaching their target.

Pollard made just 15 while Romario Shepherd cracked an unbeaten 39 off 23 balls, in a losing effort.

For the Desert Vipers, Usman Tariq grabbed 3-33 while David Payne took 2-52.