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The Desert vipers they started theirs ILT20 2025 campaign with a winning note, defeating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 7 wickets in a high-energy encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Knight Riders set a challenging target of 167, thanks to Phil SaltExceptional knock of 71 not out. However, the Vipers, powered by And Lawrence‘s explosive 70 from 39 balls and Sam Curran‘s composed 50 not out, checked the target with 8 balls to spare. This win showed the depth and poise of the Vipers, scoring a first in the tournament.
Phil Salt anchors Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ competitive total
The Knight Riders faced an uphill battle after opting to bat as the early wickets caught them off guard. Kyle Mayers i Joe Clarke he fell cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 19/2 inside four overs. Salt stepped up as the saviour, creating a brilliant unbeaten 71 off 49 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes. Alishan Sharafu provided life support with a fluid 46 out of 34 before retiring injured, and Andrew Russell added late fireworks with 30 off in just 14 deliveries. Despite these contributions, the Knight Riders innings lost momentum at the death as the Desert Vipers bowlers, led by Mohammad Amir (29/1) i Lockie Ferguson (26/1), they restricted their charge to 166/5.
Dan Lawrence Master Class Mastering the Chase
Chasing a challenging 167, the Vipers got off to a cautious start, losing Fakhar Zaman i Alex Hales early With the score at 56/2, Lawrence came in and changed the complexion of the game. Combining power with accuracy, he hit 70 off just 39 balls, including 7 fours and 3 massive sixes. Lawrence dictated terms to the bowlers, attacking both spinners and pacers with equal authority. His partnership with Curran was instrumental in turning the tide as they added a match-winning 95 runs for the third wicket. When Lawrence departed at 18, the game was firmly in the hands of the Vipers.
Also WATCH: Sam Curran sacks Michael Pepper at ILT20 2025
Sam Curran’s integral brilliance shines through
Curran showed why he is considered one of the most valuable T20 players in the world. Although his bowling proved costly, conceding 48 runs in 4 overs, his impact on the field was undeniable. Curran’s crucial takedown Michael Pepper he emphasized his strong presence, and with the bat, he played a composed but aggressive stroke. Anchoring the chase after Lawrence’s dismissal, Curran scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, punctuated by 2 boundaries and 1 six. His ability to remain calm under pressure and guide the innings to a successful finish underlined his match-winning credentials.
Knight Riders face harsh lessons against Desert Vipers
The Knight Riders will rue missed opportunities in both departments. While Phil Salt and Russell shone with the bat, the rest of the batting line-up faltered, leaving valuable runs on the table. His bowlers, except Sunil Narine (29/1), was fighting for control, with Ali Khan leaking 49 runs in 3.4 overs. Instead, the Vipers displayed a balanced team effort, combining disciplined bowling with calculated batting. This win gives the Vipers an early boost in the tournament, while the Knight Riders need to address their shortcomings quickly to remain competitive in ILT20 2025.
2️⃣ points to @TheDesertVipers kitten!
Courtesy of cute shots from #DanLawrence & #SamCurranthe visitors chased the goal at a gallop. ✌️#ADKRvDV @DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/JhCQJpyLiv
— International T20 League (@ILT20Official) January 12, 2025
