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Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Clinch ILT20 Playoff Spot with Dominating Win Over Gulf Giants

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured their place in the International League T20 (ILT20) playoffs with a comprehensive 32-run victory over the Gulf Giants. A blistering opening partnership of 131 runs between Phil Salt and Michael Pepper set the stage for the Knight Riders’ win.

Asked to bat first, Salt (72 not out off 56 balls) and Pepper (83 off 51 balls) dismantled the Giants’ bowling attack, propelling the Knight Riders to a formidable 179-1.

The Gulf Giants, needing a win to advance themselves, faltered in their chase. Jason Holder’s early strikes reduced them to 29-3, putting them on the back foot. Moeen Ali’s valiant 78 off 49 balls briefly ignited hope, but Andre Russell extinguished it with his dismissal in the 18th over. Russell continued his destructive spell, finishing with 3-13 in two overs as the Giants were eventually dismissed to 147-9.

The victory seals the final playoff spot for the Knight Riders, who will now face the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on Thursday. The winner of that match will then compete for a spot in the final against the loser of the Qualifier 1 match between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

ILT20 Playoffs Schedule:

  • December 30: Qualifier 1 – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates (14:30 GMT)
  • January 1: Eliminator – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (14:30 GMT)
  • January 2: Qualifier 2 – Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator (14:30 GMT)
  • January 4: Final – Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 (14:30 GMT)

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