147/9 (20.0)
CR : 7.35
179/1 (20.0)
CR : 8.95
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders won by 32 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Michael-Kyle Pepper
83(51)
ADKR won by 32 runs
11:40 PM IST, 10:10 PM Local Time: WHAT A GAME WE HAVE JUST WITNESSED. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have qualified for the playoffs of the ILT20 2025-26. They have earned their place, especially after this solid victory over the Gulf Giants.
It all started with a legendary opening stand of 131 runs between Michael Pepper and Phil Salt. As Pepper hit 83 and Salt stayed unbeaten on 72, ADKR ended their innings on 179/1.
Jason Holder and the army came out with a mission loaded in their heads. The skipper led from the very front inside the powerplay, taking two wickets in his first two overs. Ajay Kumar complimented his partner with Ben Kellaway's wicket. The man in form, Azmat Omarzai, couldn't contribute much as he fell to Olly Stone.
However, then came Moeen Ali to rescue. The former Englishman turned the switch on and suddenly started punishing the Abu Dhabi bowlers. He first spanked Olly Stone for 19 runs, and then took a mickey of Ajay.
Only a miracle could save the Knight Riders from there, and a miracle named Sunil Narine raised his hand to deliver. He turned the game on its head with twin wickets of Kyle Mayers and Sean Dickson in an over.
Moeen was still going solidly, getting accompanied by Mark Adair, but it was Andre Russell's turn then. Dre Russ removed Mo on 79 and snapped Ayaan Khan on the very next ball. The game was done and dusted then. Eventually, the ADKR won the do-or-die affair by 32 runs.
It all started with a legendary opening stand of 131 runs between Michael Pepper and Phil Salt. As Pepper hit 83 and Salt stayed unbeaten on 72, ADKR ended their innings on 179/1.
Jason Holder and the army came out with a mission loaded in their heads. The skipper led from the very front inside the powerplay, taking two wickets in his first two overs. Ajay Kumar complimented his partner with Ben Kellaway's wicket. The man in form, Azmat Omarzai, couldn't contribute much as he fell to Olly Stone.
However, then came Moeen Ali to rescue. The former Englishman turned the switch on and suddenly started punishing the Abu Dhabi bowlers. He first spanked Olly Stone for 19 runs, and then took a mickey of Ajay.
Only a miracle could save the Knight Riders from there, and a miracle named Sunil Narine raised his hand to deliver. He turned the game on its head with twin wickets of Kyle Mayers and Sean Dickson in an over.
Moeen was still going solidly, getting accompanied by Mark Adair, but it was Andre Russell's turn then. Dre Russ removed Mo on 79 and snapped Ayaan Khan on the very next ball. The game was done and dusted then. Eventually, the ADKR won the do-or-die affair by 32 runs.
Time for post-match presentations...
Dispatch of the Match: Michael-Kyle Pepper
James Vince (Gulf Giants Captain): "We gave away around 25 runs more. Credit goes to the way ADKR openers Pepper and Salt batted. We didn't bowl well. 180 was too many. It was difficult for the batters to hit it right from the word go on this wicket, which was spinning and had variable bounce.
We started well in the tournament and then started losing. In those losing games as well, we were in the game for most of the time but couldn't hold onto it during the crucial moments.
We knew today's game was going to be tough. We tried to match their powerplay score when we came out to bat in the second innings but then lost wickets and left a lot to do in the end. Moeen Ali is a quality player. He has been brilliant for us."
We started well in the tournament and then started losing. In those losing games as well, we were in the game for most of the time but couldn't hold onto it during the crucial moments.
We knew today's game was going to be tough. We tried to match their powerplay score when we came out to bat in the second innings but then lost wickets and left a lot to do in the end. Moeen Ali is a quality player. He has been brilliant for us."
Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Captain): "Extremely pleased. These are the things we discussed at the start of the season. Nice time to peak. Hopefully, we will take it forward into the playoffs.
The opening partnership laid the foundation; those two accessed it earlier and did what needed to be done. Apart from Moeen Ali's knock, everything went our way.
This year has been great for me personally. I had a shoulder injury at the end of 2024, but I am bowling really well and enjoying it.
Good to see how Narine bowled. Fingers crossed. Those two wickets pushed them back.
Looking forward to playing DC now, they have beaten us on both occasions, but we will look to take our revenge."
The opening partnership laid the foundation; those two accessed it earlier and did what needed to be done. Apart from Moeen Ali's knock, everything went our way.
This year has been great for me personally. I had a shoulder injury at the end of 2024, but I am bowling really well and enjoying it.
Good to see how Narine bowled. Fingers crossed. Those two wickets pushed them back.
Looking forward to playing DC now, they have beaten us on both occasions, but we will look to take our revenge."
Player of the Match: Michael-Kyle Pepper
Michael-Kyle Pepper (POTM): "Ultimately, it is down to match-ups. Depending on which bowler you fancy to hit, and wait for the right time to attack. Salt and I spoke in the middle. He was giving me strikes as many as possible against the spinners. Allowing me to go after them.
Not thinking much about how to continue my form into the playoffs. When it's your da,y then it's your day. But we have enough firepower in our squad and they will surely deliver during the playoffs.
Our backroom staff has been brilliant. They support us very well."
Not thinking much about how to continue my form into the playoffs. When it's your da,y then it's your day. But we have enough firepower in our squad and they will surely deliver during the playoffs.
Our backroom staff has been brilliant. They support us very well."
Right then. We have our four teams who will proceed forward for the playoffs. Desert Vipers, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders - in that order - have qualified. The knockouts will begin after a day's gap, when the Vipers will take on MI on Tuesday, followed by DC vs ADKR on Thursday. A week full of action awaits us.
See you there, this is Arjun Bhalla signing off on behalf of Mohammad Anab and Zeeshan Naiyer.
See you there, this is Arjun Bhalla signing off on behalf of Mohammad Anab and Zeeshan Naiyer.