During his match 3 International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sam CurranExcellent court skills have been instrumental in turning the game so far in the Vipers’ favour.
Sam Curran’s brilliant run-out secures a crucial wicket for Desert Vipers
On the last ball of the seventh over, Loki Ferguson delivered a full and swinging delivery to off, prompting Michael Pepper to bring it down to the wide middle area. Standing in the middle of the match, Sam Curran showed great athleticism, sprinting quickly towards the ball. With remarkable accuracy and composure, Curran executed a direct hit on the stumps, his throw perfectly timed and accurate. Even when Pepper dove back, he found himself very close to being crushed, 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 left the Knight Riders struggling at 39/3.
Here’s the video:
Don’t run when it’s hot 😎
Instant 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
Knight Riders put in a good batting performance to reach 166/5 in their 20 overs. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a well-worked 71 off 49 balls, displaying a mixture 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. Their 50-run partnership came quickly, ensuring the innings gained momentum after an early swing. While Kyle Mayers and Joe Clark fell cheaply, Andre Russell added fireworks in the final overs with an unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, scoring a blistering 214.28. The Knight Riders paced their innings effectively, speeding towards the death overs and amassing 60 runs in the last five overs. Mohammed Amir and Ferguson stood out for the Vipers in tight spells but their efforts were overshadowed by Russell’s late onslaught.
Also WATCH: Lockie Ferguson uproots Joe Clarke’s leg stump with sensational delivery
Vipers’ bowling efforts: A mix of control and challenges
The Vipers produced a varied bowling performance, showing moments of brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency. Ferguson was the standout bowler, combining pace 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 he supported well with a disciplined spell, conceding just 27 runs in his four overs and keeping the boundaries to a minimum. However, Curran endured a tough outing, conceding 48 runs in his four overs despite trying to change pace and length. Nathan Souter he struggled to make an impact, conceding 33 runs as the Knight Riders targeted him in the middle overs. The bowlers’ efforts were boosted by Curran’s brilliant run-out, but the lack of wickets in the death overs allowed the Knight Riders to accelerate, amassing 60 runs in the last five overs. Vipers will need their batting unit to rise to the occasion and chase down a challenging target of 167.
Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi does John Cena after recording best bowling figures in ILT20 history
