The Desert Vipers began their ILT20 2025 campaign on a winning note, defeating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 7 wickets in a high-energy clash at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Knight Riders set a challenging target of 167, thanks to Phil Salt’s exceptional knock of 71 not out. However, the Vipers, powered by Dan Lawrence’s explosive 70 off 39 balls and Sam Curran’s composed 50 not out, ove??rhauled the target with 8 balls to spare. This victory showcased the Vipers�?depth and balance, setting an early marker in the to??urnament.

Phil Salt anchors Abu Dhabi Knight Riders�?competitive total

The Knight Riders faced an uphill battle after electing to bat, as early wickets pegged them back. Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke fell cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 19/2 inside four overs. Salt stepped up as the savior, crafting a sparkling unbeaten 71 off 49 balls, featuring 5 fours and 4 sixes. Alishan Sharafu provided vital support with a fluent 46 off 34 before retiring hurt, and Andre Russell added late fireworks with a blistering 30 off just 14 deliveries. Despite these contributions, the Knight Riders�?innings lost momentum in the death overs, as Desert Vipers’ bowlers, led by Mohammad Amir (1/29) and Lockie Ferguson (1/26), restricted their charge to 166/5.

Dan Lawrence’s masterclass dominates the chase

Chasing a challenging 167, the Vipers began cautiously, losing Fakhar Zaman and Alex Hales early. With the score at 56/2, Lawrence walked in and changed the game’s complexion. Combining power with precision, he hammered 70 off just 39 balls, including 7 fours and 3 massive sixes. Lawrence dictated terms to the bowlers, attacking both spinners and pacers with equ?al autho?rity. His partnership with Curran was instrumental in turning the tide, as they added a match-winning 95 runs for the third wicket. By the time Lawrence departed in the 18th over, the game was firmly in the Vipers�?grasp.

Also WAT?CH: Sam Curran hits a bulls eye to dismiss Michael Pepper in the ILT20 2025

Sam Curran’s all-round brilliance shines through

Curran showcased why he is regarded as one of the most valuable T20 players globally. While his bowling proved expensive, conceding 48 runs in 4 overs, his impact on the field was undeniable. Curran’s crucial run-out of Michael Pepper highlighted his sharp presence, and with the bat, he played a composed yet aggressive knock. Anc??horing the chase after Lawrence’s dismissal, Curran s??cored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, punctuated by 2 boundaries and 1 six. His ability to maintain calm under pressure and guide the innings to a successful finish underscored his match-winning credentials.

Knight Riders face tough 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 lineup faltered, leaving valuable runs on the table. Their bowlers, barring Sunil Narine (1/29), struggled for control, with Ali Khan leaking 49 run?s in 3.4 overs. In contrast, the Vipers showcased a balanced team effort, combining disciplin??ed bowling with calculated batting. This victory gives the Vipers early momentum in the tournament, while the Knight Riders must address their shortcomings quickly to stay competitive in ILT20 2025.

2️⃣ points in the @TheDesertVipers kitty!

Courtesy of handsome knocks from #DanLawrence & #SamCurran, the visitors chased down the target in a canter. ✌️#ADKRvDV @DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/JhCQJpyLiv

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 12, 2025

Also WATCH: Lockie Fer?guson uproots Joe Clarke’s leg stump with a sensational delivery

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During Match 3 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sam Curran’s exceptional fielding skills played a pivotal role in turning the game so far in favour of the Vipe?rs.

Sam Curran’s brilliant run-out secures a crucial wicket for Desert Vipers

On the last ball of the seventh over, Lockie Ferguson delivered a full and swinging delivery into off, prompting Michael Pepper to drive it down the wide mid-off region. Standing at mid-off, Sam Curran displayed exceptional athleticism, sprinting swiftly toward the ball.With remarkable precision and composure, Curran executed a direct hit at the stumps, his throw perfectly timed and accurate. Even as Pepper dived back, he was found well short of the crease, unable to make it in time. Curran’s sharp fielding, quick thinking, and pinpoint accuracy made the run-out look seamless, turning the tide in favor of the Desert Vipers. This crucial dismissal lef??t the Knight Riders struggling at 39/3.

Here’s the video:

Don't run when it's 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣 😎
Direct hit and it's curtains for Pepper ☝️#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #ADKRvDV pic.twitter.com/QHO8Y7go58

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 12, 2025

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders set a competitive target 

The Knight Riders put up a solid batting performance to reach 166/5 in their 20 overs. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a well-crafted 71 off 49 balls, demonstrating a mix of patience and aggression. His innings featured five boundaries and four towering sixes, setting the tone for the Knight Riders. Alishan Sharafu provided valuable support, contributing 46 off 34 deliveries before retiring out. Their 50-run partnership came in quick time, ensuring the innings gained momentum after an early wobble. While Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke fell cheaply, Andre Russell added fireworks in the final overs with an unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, striking at a blistering 214.28. The Knight Riders paced their innings effectively, accelerating towards the death overs and collecting 60 runs in the final five overs. Mohammad Amir and Ferguson stood out for the Vipers ??with tight spells, but their efforts were overshadowed by Russell’s late assault.

Also WATCH: Lockie Ferguson uproots Joe Clarke’s leg stump w??ith a sensational delivery

Vipers’ bowling efforts: A mixed bag of control and challenges

The Vipers delivered a varied bowling performance, showing moment?s of brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency. Ferguson was the standout b??owler, combining pace and accuracy to finish with figures of 1/26 from his four overs. Amir, though slightly more expensive, provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Kyle Mayers.

Luke Wood supported well with a disciplined spell, conceding just 27 runs in his four overs and keeping boundaries to a minimum. However, Curran endured a tough outing, conceding 48 runs in his four overs despite his effort to vary pace and lengths. Nathan Sowter struggled to make an impact, giving away 33 runs, as the Knight Riders targeted him during the middle overs. The bowlers�?efforts were bolstered by Curran’s ?brilliant run-out, but the lack of wickets in the death overs allowed the Knight Riders to accelerate, accumulating 60 runs in the final five overs. The Vipers will need thei??r batting unit to rise to the occasion and chase down a challenging target of 167.

Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi does a J?ohn Cena after recording best bowling figures in ILT20 history

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In a match that was gradually turning into a low-scoring affair, The Men’s Hundred 2024 witnessed a moment of pure magic that will be etched in the memory of cricket fans for years to come. Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand all-rounder, p??roduced a catch that defied gravity, sending ripples of astonishment through the gro??und.

Mitchell Santner’s special for the ages

London Spirit, batting first, found the going tough against a disciplined Northern Superchargers attack. The pressure was mounting on opener Michael Pepper, who, desperate to break the shackles, attempted to clear the infield off the bowling of Reece Topley. How??ever, mistiming his shot, Pepper sent?? the ball high in the air, offering a glimmer of hope to the fielders.

It was then that Santner, stationed at mid-on, showcased his athleticism and instincts. With the ball soaring towards the long-on boundary, the Kiwi all-rounder sprinted towards the fence at full tilt. Just as it seemed the ball was destined to clear the ropes, Santner leaped into the air, his outstretched hands making contact with the ball at its highest point. The crowd erupted in disbelief as the ball nestled safely in Santner’s grasp, and his teammates rushed in to congratulate their teammate on a breathtaking catch.

Here’s the video:

NO, IT IS NOT A FLYING BIRD… HE IS MITCHELL SANTNER, THE FREAK FROM THE KIWI LAND. 🦅pic.twitter.com/e7g0RZI2HQ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 13, 2024

Also WATCH: Liam Livingstone and Jacob Be??thell join hands as Birmingham Phoenix knock Trent Rockets out of The Hundred 2024

Northern Superchargers triumph over London Spirit

The dismissal of Pepper proved to be a turning point in the match. Superchargers, buoyed by Santner’s heroics, tightened the noose around the Spirit batting lineup. Adil Rashid was particularly impressive, picking up three wickets to restrict Spirit to a below-par total of 111-8 in their allotted 100 ball??s.

In reply, Northern Superchargers were off to a steady start, but rain interrupted their chase. With the DLS method coming into play, the revised target was set at 64 runs in 44 balls. Matthew Short and Graham Clark provided a solid foundation, and despite losing Clark, Short remained unbeaten to?? guide his team to a 21-run victory.

Santner’s catch undoubtedly stole the show, but the win also highlighted the overall strength of the Northern Superchargers squad. Their bowlers were disciplined, and their batters showed composure under pressure. London Spirit will rue the missed opportunities and will need to regroup quickly for their next match.

Also WATCH: Tim Southee’s? stunning delivery dismisses Joe Root for his lowest score in ??The Hundred 2024

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