Andries Gous’ blistering 95 not out stole the show as Abu Dhabi Knight Riders thumped Desert Vipers by six wickets in a thrilling opening encounter of the DP World ILT20 season 2.
Gous’ masterclass:
- The South African wicket-keeper batsman tore apart the Vipers bowling, slamming 5 boundaries and 7 sixes in his 50-ball onslaught.
- His knock included crucial partnerships of 85 with Michael-Kyle Pepper (36) and 71 with Laurie Evans (21).
- Gous’ heroics helped the Knight Riders chase down Vipers’ score of 164/8 with 14 balls to spare.
Vipers fall short:
- Colin Munro (22) and Adam Hose (45) provided a decent starting point for the Vipers, but the middle order faltered.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (24) contributed, but Vipers lacked the late flourish to reach a more competitive total.
- Ali Khan (3/29) impressed with his death-over bowling for the Knight Riders, while Sunil Narine picked up 2/23.
Narine and Gous delighted:
- Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine expressed his happiness with the win, crediting Gous’ brilliance and Ali Khan’s late magic.
- Gous, hoping for a World Cup call-up for USA, called his innings “one of the best” and praised the franchise’s success.
- Vipers captain Munro admitted they were 20 runs short and lauded Gous’ masterful targeting of the short boundaries.
Knight Riders start with a bang:
The victory sees the Knight Riders begin their ILT20 campaign with a confident win, putting their disappointing first season behind them. Gous’ performance serves as a warning to the rest of the league, leaving everyone anticipating what he can achieve next.
Brief scores:
Desert Vipers 164 for 8 in 20 overs (Colin Munro 22, Adam Hose 45, Wanindu Hasaranga 24; Sunil Narine 2 for 23, Ali Khan 3 for 29) Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 166 for 4 in 17.4 overs (Andries Gous 95*, Michael-Kyle Pepper 36, Laurie Evans 21; Tymal Mills 2 for 21)
Player of the Match: Andries Gous
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bt Desert Vipers by 6 wickets.
