Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed a spot in the ILT20 playoffs with a commanding 32-run victory over Gulf Giants in their final league-stage clash. The win sets up an Eliminator showdown against Dubai Capitals on January 1, while Desert Vipers will lock horns with MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday for a direct place in the final.
Knight Riders’ dominance was built on a massive 131-run opening partnership between Michael Pepper and Phil Salt. Pepper played the aggressor’s role with a fluent 83 off 51 balls, while Salt anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 56 deliveries. Their efforts powered Knight Riders to an imposing total of 179/1.
In reply, Jason Holder provided the perfect start with the ball, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the opening over before returning to remove James Vince, who scored a brisk 19 off 10 balls.
Moeen Ali fought a lone battle for the Giants, smashing 79 off 49 balls in a counter-attacking knock. He brought up his half-century in just 31 deliveries and briefly steadied the chase with a 45-run stand alongside Kyle Mayers.
However, Sunil Narine turned the tide in the 15th over by dismissing Mayers and then Sean Dickson for a duck, tightening Knight Riders’ control. Andre Russell delivered the decisive blow in the 18th over, removing Moeen Ali and Aayan Khan in successive balls, effectively ending the contest.
The Gulf Giants eventually finished on 147/9, falling short by 32 runs.
Earlier, Knight Riders had laid a strong foundation in the powerplay, with Salt and Pepper racing to 56 runs. Pepper reached his half-century in quick time, while Salt played the supporting role with a composed approach.
(By PTI Inputs)
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