Dubai,
South Africa’s wicketkeeper batsman Andries Gous hit an unbeaten 95 runs to lead Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to a sensational win against Desert Vipers in the third match of the ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Gous’ knock off 50 balls studded with five boundaries and seven sixes enthralled the large Sunday crowd and his team owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
His 85 runs partnership in 47 balls for the second wicket along with Michael-Kyle Pepper (36), and his 71 runs stand in 43 balls for the fourth wicket with Laurie Evans (21) ensured his team an easy six-wicket win with 14 balls to spare.
Earlier, Knight Riders restricted Desert Vipers to a gettable 164 for 8 through some tight bowling led by their skipper Sunil Narine (2 for 23) and Ali Khan’s fine death-over spell bagging 3 for 29. Adam Hose top scored with 45 runs off 30 balls after his skipper Colin Munro hit a quick 22 in 12 balls. Vipers may not have crossed the 150 mark but for Wanindu Hasaranga (24) and Hose’s 57 runs partnership off 40 balls for the fourth wicket.
A delighted Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine said: “It is good to get off to a winning start. Ali (Khan) bowled well and the way the batters batted was good. The manner in which Gous played was brilliant. When the ‘Big Boss’ (Shahrukh Khan) is there, you want to win. He doesn’t come for many games. Chasing down that total gives us huge encouragement.”
Brief scores:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bt Desert Vipers by 6 wkts.
Desert Vipers 164 for 8 in 20 overs (Colin Munro 22, Adam Hose 45, Wanindu Hasaranga 24; Sunil Narine 2 for 23, Ali Khan 3 for 29)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 166 for 4 in 17.4 overs (Andries Gous 95*, Michael-Kyle Pepper 36, Laurie Evans 21; Tymal Mills 2 for 21)
Player of the Match: Andries Gous
