By Anas Ahmed 
Desert Vipers Triumph Over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20 Season Opener
The Desert Vipers began their DP World ILT20 Season 3 campaign with a dominant seven-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Stellar performances by Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran helped the Vipers chase down a target of 167 comfortably, with 1.2 overs to spare.
Winning the toss and opting to field, the Vipers restricted the Knight Riders to 166/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Phil Salt was the standout performer for the Knight Riders, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls, supported by Alishan Sharafu’s 46 off 34 balls and Andre Russell’s explosive 30 off 14 balls.
The Knight Riders struggled initially, reduced to 19/2 in 4.1 overs, as Mohammad Amir and Lockie Ferguson made early inroads. Salt’s composed innings and Russell’s late fireworks helped the team post a competitive total.
In response, the Vipers got off to a solid start, scoring 46 runs in the powerplay. Despite losing Fakhar Zaman for 23 and Alex Hales for 10, the Vipers remained in control thanks to a match-winning partnership between Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran. Lawrence’s aggressive 70 off 39 balls, featuring four sixes and five boundaries, and Curran’s unbeaten 50 off 37 balls steered the Vipers to victory at 168/3 in 18.4 overs.
Lawrence’s dismissal in the 18th over brought Sherfane Rutherford to the crease, who, alongside Curran, ensured a smooth finish for the Vipers.
Reflecting on the victory, Dan Lawrence, the Player of the Match, said, “It was a perfect situation to come into, giving myself time. The professional setup here makes it a great experience.” Meanwhile, Knight Riders’ skipper Sunil Narine acknowledged the powerplay struggles, saying, “We did well to get back in the game, but the first six overs made the difference.”
Brief Scores Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 166/5 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 71*, Alishan Sharafu 46, Andre Russell 30; Lockie Ferguson 1/26, Mohammad Amir 1/29)
- Desert Vipers: 168/3 in 18.4 overs (Dan Lawrence 70, Sam Curran 50*, Fakhar Zaman 23; Andre Russell 1/15, Shahid Bhutta 1/27, Sunil Narine 1/29)
Zainab Shafiq