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Knight Riders Dominate Giants, Secure Playoff Berth
30 Dec
Summary
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured a top-four finish with a decisive win.
- A 131-run opening partnership set up their commanding total of 179/1.
- Moeen Ali's 79 was not enough as Russell and Narine clinched the win.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have secured a top-four finish in the World ILT20 Season 4, defeating the Gulf Giants by 32 runs in their concluding league match. A dominant 131-run opening partnership between Michael Pepper, who scored 83 off 51 balls, and Phil Salt, who remained unbeaten on 72 off 56, was the cornerstone of their imposing 179/1 total.
Chasing 180, the Gulf Giants struggled early, losing three wickets within the powerplay. Moeen Ali mounted a strong counter-attack with a swashbuckling 79 off 49 balls, briefly reviving their chase. However, late wickets from Sunil Narine and a decisive double strike by Andre Russell in the 18th over ended their challenge, restricting them to 147/9.
This victory propels the Knight Riders into the playoffs, where they are set to face the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1. Meanwhile, the Desert Vipers will compete against MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 on December 30. The Gulf Giants concluded their league campaign with six consecutive losses.
