The Desert Vipers suffered their first defeat of the season as Abu Dhabi Knight Riders clinched a thrilling one-run victory at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Liam Livingstone’s commanding 76 powered the Knight Riders to 181/5 after early setbacks. In reply, Fakhar Zaman (44) and Max Holden (52) gave the Vipers a solid start, adding 53 in the powerplay. However, disciplined bowling from Andre Russell (2/16), Ajay Kumar (2/47) and Jason Holder tightened the screws.
Despite late cameos, the Vipers fell agonisingly short as the Knight Riders held their nerve at the death.