Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2023 ILT20
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders face Desert Vipers in the latest installment of the ILT20 2023.
Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Friday, January 20.
The game was be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Desert Vipers are unbeaten after two matches, recording back-to-back wins over Sharjah Warriors (seven wickets) and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (seven wickets), respectively.
Speaking of the Knight Riders, they are languishing at the foot of the table after losing all three of their fixtures to date. In addition to their seven-wicket loss against the Vipers, they suffered a 73-run defeat against Dubai Capitals and a six-wicket defeat against Gulf Giants.
When the two sides met in Dubai on Wednesday, Brandon King scored a half-century for the Knight Riders but was one of only two batters to pass 20 as they closed on a disappointing 133 for 8. An Alex Hales half-century and quick runs from Rohan Mustafa, Sam Billings and Sherfane Rutherford ensured the chase was wrapped up with 26 balls to spare.
Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 3 for 18 against the Knight Riders on Wednesday [Ishara S Kodikara/Getty Images]
Runs have been in short supply for the Knight Riders, with only four players posting a high score in excess of 20. And with Paul Stirling, who scored a half-century on debut, currently away in Zimbabwe with Ireland, the run-scoring responsibilty is firmly at King's door.
For the Vipers, meanwhile, bowling has been a strong area. Gus Atkinson currently has the highest economy in the team and he's only conceding eight runs per over while the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga (3 for 18) and Sheldon Cottrell (1 for 12) will be in the Knight Riders' heads after strong performances last time out.
A sunny yet mild day, with highs of 22 degrees Celsius around the start of play.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have some tough decisions to make about their batting line-up with Colin Ingram, Sunil Narine, and Dhananjaya de Silva among those looking uninspiring at present.
Hasaranga will surely retain his spot in the Vipers XI after taking three wickets on debut.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Kennar Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover, Sabir Ali, Matiullah Khan, Zawar Farid, Fahad Nawaz, Marchant de Lange, Dhananjaya de Silva, Connor Esterhuizen, Traveen Mathew
Desert Vipers: Colin Munro (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Sam Billings, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Matheesha Pathirana, Sherfane Rutherford, Sheldon Cottrell, Benny Howell, Ruben Trumpelmann, Mark Watt, Tymal Mills, Adam Lyth, Rohan Mustafa, Shiraz Ahmad, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly, Dinesh Chandimal, Gus Atkinson, Jake Lintott
*Squads are for the whole ILT20 and not specific to this match
Andre Russell's Knight Riders are winless after three matches [Francois Nel/Getty Images]
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Brandon King, Kennar Lewis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Colin Ingram, Charith Asalanka, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Matiullah Khan, Sabir Ali, Lahiru Kumara
Desert Vipers: Rohan Mustafa, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Sherfane Rutherford, Benny Howell, , Wanindu Hasaranga, Tom Curran, Sheldon Cottrell, Gus Atkinson, Shiraz Ahmed
Paddy Power make Desert Vipers the 8/13 hot favourites. If you fancy a piece of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, they are available at 6/5.
Desert Vipers are a side in form and have depth in all departments. The same cannot be said for the Knight Riders. Vipers win.
Tickets are available on Platinum List. Child tickets are available for just $2.81 while adult tickets start at $8.42.
ZEE have obtained the broadcast rights for the ILT20 on a long-term deal.
All 34 matches will be aired across the company's 10 linear channels, with coverage provided in more than 10 languages, including English, Hindi and Tamil, as well as on ZEE5 Global.
In the UK, Zee TV can be accessed via channel 709 on Sky and channel 809 on Virgin Media. Every match will also be available via BT Sport (TV/online/app) following a deal betwee the broadcaster and Zee.
Elsewhere in the world, the full tournament will be available via Zee Cinema (SD/HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, ZEE Thirai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD/HD), &Pictures, &Flix, and ZEE5.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.