Caption: Andre Russell of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
ABU DHABI – The Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run came to a dramatic, nail-biting end at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday night, as the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, with West Indians Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine, clinched a stunning one-run victory to hand the league leaders their first defeat of the International League (ILT20) season.
Chasing a challenging 182 for victory, the Vipers seemed in control for much of their innings, thanks to a commanding 97-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman 44 off 32 and Max Holden 52 off 43. The duo navigated the power play to 53 without loss and appeared to be steering their side to a comfortable win.
However, the Knight Riders’ attack refused to buckle. Andre Russell, with a crucial spell of 2-16 from three overs, provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Holden in the 12th over.
He struck again two overs later to remove Zaman, applying the brakes as Sunil Narine tightened the screws with miserly figures of none for 23 from his four overs.
Despite late fireworks from Hasan Nawaz with 23 and a tense cameo from Khuzaima Tanveer, who scored 16 off 9, the Vipers’ chase faltered in the face of disciplined death bowling.
Needing 12 from the final over, Tanveer fell to Ajay Kumar, who held his nerve to secure a memorable victory.
Earlier, the Knight Riders’ innings was resurrected by a magnificent knock from Liam Livingstone. After crumbling to 9-2 inside two overs against the Vipers’ fiery start, Livingstone’s 76 off 48 balls proved the backbone of the total.
The Englishman shared a steadying 50-run stand with Alishan Sharafu, who chipped in with 39 off 35, before unleashing a brutal assault in the final stages.
The right-hander, alongside Sherfane Rutherford, 24 not out off 14, shared in a 68-run partnership in just 30 balls to propel the Knight Riders to a formidable 181-5. Lockie Ferguson finished with three wickets for 34 runs.
The Knightriders are still at the foot of the standings with four points following their second win. The Desert Vipers are still the league leaders with 12 points. (CMC)
