During match 3 International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 between Knight Riders of Abu Dhabi and Desert snakes at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sam CurranExceptional playing skills played a key role in turning the game so far in Vipers’ favor.
A great run out from Sam Curran secures a crucial wicket for Desert Vipers
On the last ball of the seventh over, Lockie Ferguson delivered a full and swinging delivery in the off, stimulating Michael Pepper to drive it down the wide middle area. Standing in midfield, Sam Curran showed exceptional athleticism, sprinting quickly towards the ball. With incredible precision and composure, Curran delivered a direct shot into the stumps, his throw perfectly timed and accurate. Even as Pepper dived back, he was found far from the crease, unable to make it in time. Curran’s sharp fielding, quick thinking and superb accuracy made the run-out look flawless, turning the tide in favor of the Desert Vipers. This crucial dismissal left the Knight Riders struggling at 39/3.
Here is the video:
Don’t run away when it’s 😀
A direct hit and it’s curtains for Pepper ☝️#ILT20onZee #T20HerojiKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #ADKRvDV pic.twitter.com/QHO8Y7go58— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 12, 2025
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders set a competitive target
Knight Riders put in a solid batting performance to reach 166/5 in their 20 overs. Phil Salt he 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 Sharaf he provided valuable support, contributing 46 off 34 deliveries before retiring. Their 50-run partnership came quickly, ensuring the innings gained momentum after an early wobble. While Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke fell cheaply, Andre Russell he added the fireworks in the final overs with an unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, scoring a staggering 214.28. The Knight Riders tracked their innings effectively, accelerating towards the death overs and collecting 60 runs in the last five overs. Mohammad Amir and Ferguson stood out for the Vipers with tight spells but their efforts were overshadowed by Russell’s late onslaught.
Also WATCH: Lockie Ferguson takes out Joe Clarke’s leg stump with a sensational delivery
Vipers’ bowling efforts: A mixed bag of control and challenge
The Vipers produced a varied bowling performance, showing moments of brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency. Ferguson was the best bowler, combining speed and accuracy to finish with figures of 1/26 from his four overs. Amir, although slightly more expensive, provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Kyle Mayers.
Luke Wood well supported by 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 trying to vary pace and lengths. Nathan Sowter he struggled to make an impact, conceding 33 runs as the Knight Riders targeted him during the middle overs. The bowlers’ efforts were backed up by Curran’s brilliant running, but a lack of wickets in the death overs allowed the Knight Riders to accelerate, amassing 60 runs in the last five overs. The Vipers will need their batting unit to rise to the occasion and chase down a challenging target of 167.
Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi takes out John Cena after recording the best bowling figures in ILT20 history
