Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Desert Vipers began their campaign with a seven-wicket victory against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Half-centuries from Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran ensured the Vipers would comfortably surmount their target of 167. Dan Lawrence powered his way to 70 runs in 39 balls, while Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 deliveries.
Earlier in the day, the Vipers won the toss and elected to field first. Phil Salt anchored the innings with an unbeaten half-century of 71 runs that came in 49 balls. Alishan Sharafu contributed with a vital knock of 46 runs while Andre Russell provided the finishing flourish with a quick-fire innings of 30 runs.
While the Dubai resident Sharafu was going steady and approaching his 50, his slower pace compared to Salt, and the strategic requirement to get in the world-class Russell as a super substitute meant that the UAE player had to “retire out” ahead of his landmark. It looked like a perfect move with Russell getting the cameo and then breaking through the Vipers’ initial stand.
Their run chase started well as they put on 46 runs in the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman looked to be in good form, cracking three boundaries and a six in his innings of 23 runs before he was caught behind on the bowling of Russell in the fifth over.
Soon after, Alex Hales' cautious knock of 10 runs came to an end at the hands of Sunil Narine in the eighth over to leave the Vipers at 56 for 2. Lawrence and Curran then combined to script a match-winning partnership of 95 runs in 59 balls. Lawrence led the way with 71 runs along with four sixes and five boundaries.
Meanwhile, Curran went along solid and steady towards his half-century, but his innings comprised very few risks with only two fours and a six. "The situation was quite nice to come into, knowing I had to give myself time," Lawrence said while also adding to his early impressions on the third season of the league, which kickstarted in Dubai on Saturday where Dubai Capitals shocked holders MI Emirates by one run in a dramatic opener.
"From the hotel to how the coaches treat you, this is probably the most professional set-up." Reflecting on the loss, the Abu Dhabi team captain Narine said, "We did well to get back in the game. We had a tough powerplay and we obviously wanted more runs. The key was the difference in the first six overs."
In the late game on Sunday, usual slow starters Sharjah Warriorz managed to beat Gulf Giants thanks to a blitzkrieg 83-run knock by Tom-Kohler Cadmore.
