In a heart-stopping finish at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders pulled off a remarkable one-run victory to secure their first win against the league-leading Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20).
Livingstone, Sharafu Rescue Knight Riders After Wobbly Start
The Knight Riders' innings began disastrously, losing two wickets with only nine runs on the board. However, a crucial partnership between England's Liam Livingstone and UAE's Alishan Sharafu steadied the ship. Livingstone played a dominant, aggressive knock, smashing six fours and three sixes on his way to a superb 76 runs. Sherfane Rutherford provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 24, helping the team post a competitive total of 181 for 5 in their 20 overs. Vipers' captain Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 34 runs.
Russell, Kumar Hold Nerve in Tense Finale
The Desert Vipers' chase was built on a strong foundation laid by openers Fakhar Zaman (44) and Max Holden. Holden's fifty, featuring six boundaries, and a 53-run powerplay put the Vipers in the driver's seat. The game turned dramatically when all-rounder Andre Russell dismissed both set batters. Spinner Sunil Narine applied further pressure with his economical bowling.
Despite a late cameo of 16 runs off just 9 balls from Khuzaima Tanveer, the Vipers fell agonizingly short. The final over, bowled by Ajay Kumar under immense pressure, proved decisive. Andre Russell finished with excellent figures of 2 wickets for 16 runs, playing a key role in defending the total. The Vipers ended their innings at 180 for 6.
Captains Reflect on Epic Encounter
Liam Livingstone, named Player of the Match, expressed his satisfaction with both his personal performance and the team's crucial victory. "It was very much needed for us tonight. Today was a very important game for us so I am glad we could get the win," he said.
Despite the painful loss, Desert Vipers skipper Lockie Ferguson found positives. "It is not a great result, obviously, but it was a great game of cricket. The boys will obviously be hurting, but we'll take the dividends from tonight," Ferguson stated.
Brief Scores: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 181/5 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 76, Alishan Sharafu 39; Lockie Ferguson 3/34) beat Desert Vipers 180/6 in 20 overs (Max Holden 52, Fakhar Zaman 44; Andre Russell 2/16) by one run.
