NEW DELHI: Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran struck impressive half-centuries as Desert Vipers eased past Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets in their opening ILT20 match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Chasing 167 for victory, the Vipers rode on an aggressive 39-ball 70 from Lawrence and an unbeaten 37-ball 50 from Curran to cross the finish-line with 8 balls to spare.
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Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Vipers restricted the Knight Riders to a manageable total.
Phil Salt anchored the Knight Riders’ innings with an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls. Alishan Sharafu’s vital contribution of 46 runs and Andre Russell’s quick-fire 30 runs provided late impetus to the innings.
The Vipers’ chase got off to a brisk start, accumulating 46 runs in the powerplay.
Fakhar Zaman, appearing to be in good touch, scored 23, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed by Russell in the fifth over.
Alex Hales departed in the eighth over, scoring just 10 runs, falling victim to Sunil Narine’s bowling.
Lawrence and Curran then orchestrated a match-winning partnership of 95 runs from 59 balls. Lawrence’s aggressive knock of 71 featured four sixes and five fours. Curran’s unbeaten half-century, however, was characterized by controlled aggression, including only two fours and a six.
Shahid Bhutta broke the substantial partnership, dismissing Lawrence in the 18th over.
With 16 runs remaining, Sherfane Rutherford joined Curran, guiding the Vipers to a comfortable victory in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, the Knight Riders had a challenging start to their innings. Kyle Mayers was dismissed early by Mohammad Amir, and Joe Clarke was bowled by Lockie Ferguson, leaving the Knight Riders at 19 for 2 in 4.1 overs.
Opener Salt shouldered the responsibility of rebuilding the innings, remaining unbeaten with a well-crafted 71.
Salt’s knock comprised four sixes and five fours, showcasing his controlled aggression throughout his 49-ball stay at the crease.
Alishan Sharafu provided crucial support with a valuable 46 runs off 34 balls.
Following Sharafu’s departure, Russell injected much-needed momentum into the innings, smashing 30 runs off just 14 deliveries.
Russell’s cameo included two fours and three sixes before being run out, helping the Knight Riders reach a total of 166 for 5.
“The situation was quite nice to come into, knowing I had to give myself time. From the hotel to how the coaches treat you, this is probably the most professional set-up,” said Player of the match Lawrence.
Brief Scores
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 166/5 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 71 not out, Alishan Sharafu 46, Andre Russell 30, Lockie Ferguson 1 for 26, Mohammad Amir 1 for 29)
Desert Vipers 168/3 in 18.4 overs (Dan Lawrence 70, Sam Curran 50 not out, Fakhar Zaman 23, Andre Russell 1 for 15, Shahid Bhutta 1 for 27, Sunil Narine 1 for 29)
