Mark Adair delivered a stunning opening blow for the Gulf Giants in the International League (IL)T20 2025 match against the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Mark Adair’s dream start sends Fakhar Zaman packing
Bowling the first ball of his spell, Adair produced a length delivery around off stump that swung in sharply, leaving Fakhar Zaman, explosive batter from Pakistan, completely beaten. The ball zipped past the bat, rattling the middle stump in a display of perfect seam and swing. Zaman, who managed 7 runs off 6 balls, including a boundary, seemed surprised by the sharp inward movement and could do little to counter it. There was a hint of an edge as the ball crashed into the stumps, but it didn’t detract from the sheer brilliance of the delivery.
This early wicket provided the Giants with a much-needed breakthrough, putting immediate pressure on the Vipers in their chase. Adair’s ability to swing the ball with precision stood out as a key moment in the game. Adair went on to bowl a sensational maiden over, further compounding the Vipers’ troubles by dismissing last match’s hero, Dan Lawrence, for a duck.
Here’s the video:
𝐖o𝐖! Adair is leaving an early 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 here 🫡#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #GGvDV pic.twitter.com/uYO0SxSEro
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 14, 2025
Also WATCH: Wanindu Hasaranga bamboozles Ollie Robinson with a wrong’un during Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers game
Desert Vipers in control against Gulf Giants in low-scoring encounter
In the 5th match of ILT20 2025, the Vipers took early command after winning the toss and opting to field. The Giants posted a modest total of 119/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with captain James Vince anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 76 off 62 balls. However, a lack of support from the other batters led to a subpar score. Lockie Ferguson’s fiery spell (3/22) and Mohammad Amir’s disciplined bowling (2/23) were instrumental in restricting the Giants. In reply, the Vipers reached 49/2 at the half stage, with Alex Hales and Sam Curran stabilizing the chase after Adair’s double strike in the second over. Adair’s exceptional spell of 2/12 in his allotted four gave the Giants a glimmer of hope, but with 71 runs needed in 60 balls and an in-form Curran at the crease, the Vipers remain firm favourites to clinch the match.
Also WATCH: Nicholas Pooran tonks Olly Stone for an incredible hat-trick of sixes in ILT20 2025
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