ADKR end Desert Vipers' winning run in ILT20

The Desert Vipers finally met their match on Tuesday night as the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders handed the table-toppers their first loss of the season at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

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The thrilling one-run victory was set up by Liam Livingstone’s knock of 76 runs before the Knight Riders’ bowling attack held their nerve to defend their total of 181/5.

A crucial opening stand between Fakhar Zaman (44 off 32) and Max Holden (52 off 43) kept the Vipers in the fray for a long time, but potent spells from Andre Russell (2/16), Ajay Kumar (2/47) and Jason Holder (1/28) ensured a narrow victory.

In response to a daunting target, Zaman and Holden (52 off 43) steered the Vipers through an impactful powerplay of 53/0.

The pair rotated the strike with ease and found timely boundaries even after the fielding restrictions as Holden brought up a 40-ball half-century. Holden struck six boundaries on his way there.