Andries Gous leads the charge as ADKR start their campaign with a resounding win | DV vs ADKR | ADKR 2024
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders faced off against the Desert Vipers at the ring of fire - Dubai International Stadium, in their opening game of the season. With a fresh crop of players added to the squad, ADKR looked to take the field with determination along with a lot of positive intent and make their first game a memorable one. This contest had much to look forward to where it was a contest between ADKR’s versatile unit against the might of the Vipers.
Skipper Sunil Narine won the toss and decided to bowl first on a pitch which historically has been in favour of chasing down totals. The ADKR bowlers were attacked early on by the DV openers, however, the Knights came storming back as Willey picked up the crucial wicket of Hales. ADKR established a lot of control over the opposition run-scoring and bowled some economical overs, which led to a couple of wickets. The Knights kept picking wickets at regular intervals and did not allow the opposition to create a substantial partnership. Ali Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets to his name & Skipper Sunil stood tall with 2 important wickets in the middle phase of the game. After a brilliant bowling performance by the Knights, the Vipers were restricted to a below-par total of 164 and ADKR set their sights on the win.
ADKR faced an early blow in the run-chase and the Vipers looked to put pressure on the batters. However, Gous and Pepper had different plans as they went on the charge with positive intent and did not allow the opposition bowlers to settle. Initially, Gous started off with some sensational stroke-making while Pepper played second fiddle. Gous took full advantage of the bad balls and continued to hit some powerful sixes. ADKR took complete control of the run-chase with Pepper- Gous partnership as the duo continued to play quality percentage cricket. Gous stayed right till the end, not out on 95 and steered ADKR to win the game by 6 wickets and commenced with a commanding start to their season.