ILT20 2025 Match 9 Review: Desert Vipers ride on Hales’ half-century and stunning fielding display to thwart Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 53 runs

Luke Wood was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant fielding.

Published - 19 Jan 2025, 16:05 IST | Updated - 19 Jan 2025, 16:21 IST

2 Min Read

The Desert Vipers put up a stunning all-round display during the recently concluded match no. 9 of the third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) as they banked on Alex Hales’ half-century, three wickets from Nathan Sowter and three incredible catches from Luke Wood to hand the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders a 53-run defeat at the Dubai International Stadium in the ongoing ILT20. With four victories in their first four matches, the Vipers lead the points table with eight points.

Chasing 194, the Knight Riders got off to a solid start courtesy of Joe Clarke, but a middle-innings collapse saw them slip to a massive defeat at the Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers took to the field in their green kit, celebrating their second annual Sustainability Match, as the Dubai International Stadium marked the occasion by trialling new initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of cricket matches.

Also Read: ILT20 2025 Live Stats: Most Runs, Wickets, Fifties, Hundreds, Catches & More

Player of the match, Luke Wood, said: “This has never happened before (winning the award for fielding). I was just trying to get under those catches. You just try to take the catch and hope to get a team-mate for an assist. I’m glad Payne was there to complete that (Russell's) catch.”