IL20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders snap Desert Vipers' six match winning streak in one-run thriller

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured their first win against table-toppers Desert Vipers with a nail-biting one-run victory at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night. Liam Livingstone's impressive 76-run knock and tight bowling from Andre Russell, Ajay Kumar, and Jason Holder helped defend their total of 181/5. The Knight Riders had a shaky start, losing two quick wickets for just nine runs. However, Livingstone and UAE's Alishan Sharafu turned things around with a solid partnership. Livingstone's aggressive batting, including six fours and three sixes, along with Rutherford's quick 24 runs, pushed their final score to 181/5.

The Vipers' chase started strong with

Fakhar Zaman

(44) and Max Holden (52) putting up a 53-run powerplay. Holden reached his fifty with six boundaries, keeping the Vipers in control. The game shifted when Russell removed both openers, and

Sunil Narine

's economic bowling added pressure. Despite late efforts from Khuzaima Tanveer (16 off 9), the Vipers fell short by just one run. Russell's impressive figures of 2/16 and Kumar's crucial final over proved decisive. "It was very much needed for us tonight. Today was a very important game for us so I am glad we could get the win," said Player of the Match Livingstone, pleased with his performance. Vipers' captain

Lockie Ferguson

remained positive despite the loss, stating: "It is not a great result, obviously, but it was a great game of cricket.

The boys will obviously be hurting, but we'll take the dividends from tonight." Brief Scores Abu Dhabi Knight Riders beat Desert Vipers by one run Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 181/5 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 76, Alishan Sharafu 39, Sherfane Rutherford 24 not out, Lockie Ferguson 3 for 34) Desert Vipers 180/6 in 20 overs (Max Holden 52, Fakhar Zaman 44, Hasan Nawaz 23, Andre Russell 2 for 16, Ajay Kumar 2 for 47, Jason Holder 1 for 28)