During Match 3 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sam Curran’s exceptional fielding skills played a pivotal role in turning the game so far in favour of the Vipers.
Sam Curran’s brilliant run-out secures a crucial wicket for Desert Vipers
On the last ball of the seventh over, Lockie Ferguson delivered a full and swinging delivery into off, prompting Michael Pepper to drive it down the wide mid-off region. Standing at mid-off, Sam Curran displayed exceptional athleticism, sprinting swiftly toward the ball.With remarkable precision and composure, Curran executed a direct hit at the stumps, his throw perfectly timed and accurate. Even as Pepper dived back, he was found well short of the crease, 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 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣 😎
Direct 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
The Knight Riders put up a solid batting performance to reach 166/5 in their 20 overs. Phil Salt 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 Sharafu provided valuable support, contributing 46 off 34 deliveries before retiring out. Their 50-run partnership came in quick time, ensuring the innings gained momentum after an early wobble. While Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke fell cheaply, Andre Russell added fireworks in the final overs with an unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, striking at a blistering 214.28. The Knight Riders paced their innings effectively, accelerating towards the death overs and collecting 60 runs in the final five overs. Mohammad Amir and Ferguson stood out for the Vipers with tight spells, but their efforts were overshadowed by Russell’s late assault.
Also WATCH: Lockie Ferguson uproots Joe Clarke’s leg stump with a sensational delivery
Vipers’ bowling efforts: A mixed bag of control and challenges
The Vipers delivered 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, though slightly more expensive, provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Kyle Mayers.
Luke Wood supported well with 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 his effort to vary pace and lengths. Nathan Sowter struggled to make an impact, giving away 33 runs, as the Knight Riders targeted him during the middle overs. The bowlers’ efforts were bolstered by Curran’s brilliant run-out, but the lack of wickets in the death overs allowed the Knight Riders to accelerate, accumulating 60 runs in the final five overs. The Vipers will need their batting unit to rise to the occasion and chase down a challenging target of 167.
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