ADKR 166/5 in 20 Overs [Phil Salt 71*(49), Andre Russell 30(14); Lockie Ferguson 1/26 in 4 Overs] lost to DV 168/3 in 18.4 Overs [Dan Lawrence 70(39), Sam Curran 50*(37); Sunil Narine 1/29 in 4 Overs] by 7 wickets
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders clashed against the Desert Vipers in their first game of ILT20 2025 in their home at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. A determined ADKR squad was ready to start off their season on a winning note with all the players raring to go in this first encounter. The Knights aimed to set the stage ablaze with stunning performances to acquire the all important win.
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ADKR were put into bat by the Vipers on a grassy pitch which had quite the assistance for the bowlers. 2 debutants, Phil Salt & Kyle Mayers opened the innings as they repped ADKR for the first time. The innings started slow for the Knight Riders as they lost a couple of quick wickets with the ball moving around. However, under the scorching sun of Abu Dhabi, Phil Salt shined bright as he anchored the innings to get it back on track. He was joined by Michael Pepper, who looked good as the partnership aimed to blossom. However, Pepper’s innings was cut short due to an unfortunate runout. It was all upon Phil Salt and the young UAE batter Alishan Sharafu to steady the ship of ADKR’s innings. The dynamic duo did just that as they laid out a great mix of quality running between the wickets and fierce ball striking. An excellent 86-run partnership put ADKR on route towards a big total. Phil Salt reached his first half-century of ILT20 in his first innings itself & continued the carnage. While, a surprise move brought Andre Russell out as Alishan retired himself out. The move paid huge dividends as Russell smashed the DV bowlers all over the park right from ball one. A rollicking innings of 30 runs in just 14 balls saw ADKR storm towards a total of 166. Speaking about the move, youngster Alishan said, “We had a chat at the drinks break, it was always in the plan, the team always comes first.” All eyes were on the bowlers now to defend the total & help ADKR pick up the victory.
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In the 2nd innings, the Vipers got off to a brisk start but soon were stopped in their tracks by Andre Russell as he picked up the first wicket for ADKR. Skipper Sunil Narine joined the wicket-taking party as the Knight Riders aimed to get a stranglehold on the game. However, the Desert Vipers batters found a way back into the game as Dan Lawrence & Sam Curran forged a strong partnership. Skipper Narine played all the cards at his disposal to get a breakthrough and he got one as the young UAE pacer Shahid Butta, dismissed Dan Lawrence. But despite the best efforts of the ADKR bowlers the Vipers won the game by 7 wickets. The Knight Riders will reflect on this game and look to make a strong comeback in their upcoming game. They will be looking to pick up the positives from this game and move forward & get to winning ways in their next game. ADKR face the Sharjah Warriors in their next game on 15th January.
