ADKR VS DV MATCH 2

That wraps up the second game of the season, with Desert Vipers kicking off their campaign in style, securing a commanding 7-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. But the excitement doesn’t end here! Up next, the third match is just moments away at the Dubai International Stadium, where the Gulf Giants face off against the Sharjah Warriors in their opening game. The toss is just done, so don’t miss a moment. Switch tabs and catch all the action as the International League T20 rolls on! Until next time, it’s cheers and goodbye!

Dan Lawrence is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding knock of 70 off 39 balls. He says the situation was nice to get out to bat and he took some time to get used to the pace of the wicket and set himself in. Appreciates the way Lockie Ferguson bowled and says they stuck to the plans that were set at the start and is pleased by the win.

Lockie Ferguson, the skipper of Desert Vipers says that it is nice to get across the line and he is happy that the bowlers and batters did good. Adds that he likes those pitches where it has grass which assists his bowling. Mentions that it is a nice experience overall in this tournament with great players in the squad who are all looking to contribute to the team's win.

The captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sunil Narine says that he is happy with the way they fought back. Mentions that given the position they were in, they would have taken 166 any day. Feels that on these wickets, navigating the 1st 6 overs is the key. Reckons that due to a day game, the wicket did a bit more. Hopes that they can take learnings from this game.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders overcame a shaky start at 39/3 with a stabilizing partnership between Phil Salt and Alishan Sharafu, who guided the innings through a challenging phase. The Desert Vipers’ bowlers were relentless early on, applying pressure and keeping runs in check. However, the game turned when Andre Russell came in after Alishan Sharafu was retired out which proved to be a smart move. Russell exploded from the outset, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and pushing the Knight Riders to a strong total of 166. Despite the late onslaught, Lockie Ferguson impressed for the Vipers, especially with a brilliant final over that helped limit the damage.

The pair showcased brilliant game awareness, combining exceptional running between the wickets with smartly placed shots. They pierced gaps, capitalized on loose deliveries, and ensured no pressure could build on the chase. Dan Lawrence's composed knock of 70 laid the foundation, and though he fell near the finish line, Curran and Rutherford sealed the game comfortably with Curran notching up his half-century to complete the chase.

Chasing a challenging target of 167, the Desert Vipers faced early heat from the pace duo of David Willey and Jason Holder, who kept the openers on a tight leash. Fakhar Zaman managed a couple of boundaries to ease the nerves but was soon undone by Andre Russell. Adding to the pressure, Sunil Narine struck to remove Alex Hales in quick succession. With the ball offering assistance off the pitch, the Vipers found themselves in trouble, but Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence stepped up to steady the innings.

A clinical chase powered by two brilliant Englishmen sees the Desert Vipers secure a dominant 7-wicket victory in the second match of the ILT20. Top-drawer performance as the Desert Vipers cruised through the chase, pacing it perfectly with minimal risks and maximum control.

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Desert Vipers get over the line! Banged in short by Ali, on middle and leg, Sherfane Rutherford swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side, beating short fine leg to his right for a boundary. Desert Vipers win by 7 wickets and get their campaign off to a winning start!

DROPPED! Back of a length, over middle, Sam Curran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket where the fielder charges in and dives ahead but fails to hold on. Curran crosses over and that takes him to a well-made FIFTY!

FOUR! GETS THE BOUNDARY THIS TIME! On a good length, around middle and leg, Sam Curran covers the line of the ball and flicks it off the front foot to deep square leg for a boundary.

Good fielding by Russell at long on! Good length, around off, Sam Curran drags it to the leg side and plays with the cross bat wide of long on. Russell runs into his left and saves the boundary by stretching out his both hands to make the stop They get a couple of runs.

FOUR! STREAKY BUT HE WILL TAKE IT! Good length, outside off, Sherfane Rutherford looks to go over cover but can't get it off the middle of the bat. The ball goes to the deep point region off the outer half of the bat and he gets a boundary on the last ball.

BEATEN! Full, wide outside off, going away, Sherfane Rutherford goes to chase it but gets beaten on the outside edge. He looks towards the umpire for a wide but isn't given.

Very full, at the stumps, Sam Curran drills it to long on for one more.

On a length, just outside off, Sherfane Rutherford leans on to it and drives it to deep cover for a single.