ADKR face a tough loss despite putting on a powerpacked performance | ADKR vs DC Match Review
ADKR 203/4 [Charith Asalanka 74(37) , Alishan Sharafu 36(21) ; Sikandar Raza 2/24 in 4 Overs] lost to DC 207/2 in 19.5 Overs [Gulbadin Naib 80(47), Shai Hope 74*(53); Andre Russell 1/38 in 3 Overs] by 8 wickets
Just a day apart from a sensational win over the MI Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders clashed against the Dubai Capitals in a much anticipated game at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. ADKR were raring to get on to the field and deliver another impressive performance, aiming to pick up back-to-back victories. As the road to the knockout stages inches closer, ADKR were determined to scale up in the points table and pick up important points in this upcoming game. The fans were thrilled to see their favourite players on show and cheered loudest for ADKR.
After being put into bat first, ADKR openers came out all guns blazing right from the outset. Andries Gous and Kyle Mayers gave ADKR a rollicking start as the duo took full advantage of the powerplay and smashed the DC bowlers to all parts of the ground. A stunning 63-run partnership inside the power-play put the Knight Riders in control of the game as they targeted a big total. After such a glorious partnership, Gous and Mayers lost their wickets in quick succession as they tried to keep up with the aggressive attack. The ADKR innings looked to stumble a bit but the duo of Charith Asalanka and Alishan Sharafu changed the tide completely. Just when DC looked to take control of the game, both batters started smacking the bowlers all over the stadium. Asalanka took the charge to the bowlers with a mix of elegant strokes and powerful hits while Sharafu played the second fiddle with beautiful shots as ADKR bossed the middle overs. The rampage continued on as Asalanka & Sharafu scored a whopping 39 runs of the 15th and 16th over as Asalanka reached his half century in style. Courtesy of Sharafu & Asalanka’s dominant 105(52) partnership ADKR reached their highest-ever total in ILT20 history of 203 at the end of the first innings. With a huge score to defend and momentum on their side it was now on the ADKR bowlers to seal the win for the team.
ADKR came out with an intent to bowl tight lines and not allow the DC batters to score freely. The bowlers aimed to execute their plans to the fullest and pick up early wickets in the powerplay itself. DC got off to a quick-fire start, but Andre Russell broke the opening stand with an important wicket in the powerplay. ADKR looked to tighten things up and put pressure on the DC batters. However, despite their best efforts, Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib stitched a terrific partnership which put DC ahead in the game. ADKR bowlers tried all the variations yet were unable to dismiss the partnership as both went on to score half centuries in a partnership worth 135 off just 79 balls. Dubai Capitals steered to a 8-wicket win courtesy of this partnership. ADKR fought right till the end and gave everything they had yet weren’t able to stop the DC batters. The Knights will be looking to go back to the drawing board, reflect, and come back stronger in the next game.