DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Brandon King struck a half-century but Andre Russell suffered the indignity of a first-ball ‘duck’ as winless Abu Dhabi Knight Riders extended their losing streak with a seven-wicket loss to Desert Vipers here yesterday. Sent in at Dubai International Stadium, Knight Riders could only muster 133 for eight despite their star-studded line up, West Indies opener King top-scoring with 57 from 44 deliveries and Charith Asalanka getting 26 from 21 balls. In reply, Alex Hales led the successful chase with 64 from 47 balls at the top of the order, fellow Englishman Sam Billings hitting an unbeaten 35 from 29 deliveries to provide the finishing touches and deal Knight Riders their third successive defeat.
They lie bottom of the six-team league without a point while Vipers are second on four points, only behind leaders MI Emirates on net run rate.
Aiming to break their winless streak, Knight Riders found themselves slumping at 15 for two in the third over after Jamaican Kennar Lewis (1) and Dhananjaya de Silva (5) fell cheaply.
However, King lashed five fours and two sixes to revive the innings, first in a 39-run, third wicket stand with Colin Ingram (15) and then in a fourth wicket partnership of 49 with Asalanka.
Sri Lankan Asalanka perished in the 14th over at the hands of fellow countryman, leg-spinner Hasaranga de Silva, and Russell fell to the very next delivery when he picked out long on. Captain Sunil Narine (2) and West Indies ally Akeal Hosein (12 not out) then failed to have much of an impact as the innings limped to a tame end, King bowled by English pacer Gus Atkinson at the start of the final over.
West Indies left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell claimed one for 12 from three disciplined overs.
Hales proved central to the Vipers’ charge, posting 39 for the first wicket with Rohan Mustafa (15) and a further 74 for the third wicket with Billings.
The right-handed Hales struck seven fours and a six while Billings counted two fours, and by the time they were separated in the 15th over, victory was all but assured.
West Indies left-hander Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on 11 while Narine, Russell and Hosein picked up a wicket each.
