In a riveting third clash of the ILT20 Season 2, the Desert Vipers are geared up to face off against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium. Remembering their last season’s journey, the Vipers reached the final but fell short against the Gulf Giants. Colin Munro will don the captain’s cap once again, leading a formidable squad that includes retained stars like Alex Hales, Dinesh Chandimal, Matheesha Pathirana, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Notable additions to their roster feature the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Azam Khan, and Bas de Leede.

Contrastingly, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a lacklustre outing last year, as they secured only one victory in 10 games. This season, Sunil Narine will lead the charge, backed by retained players Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Joe Clark, and others. The team has bolstered its lineup with new signings such as Brandon McMullen, David Willey, Jake Lintott, Josh Little, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper, and Ravi Bopara.

With hopes of redemption, the Knight Riders, under the leadership of Narine, aim to leave the disappointments of the previous season behind. While lacking in star power, the team will rely on consistent performers like Ibrahim Zadran, who showcased his prowess with a recent fifty against India in the final T20I.

The Desert Vipers boast a potent bowling attack, with match-winners like Hasaranga and Pathirana. Hasaranga’s dominance in T20 cricket since his debut and Pathirana’s class showcased in tournaments like the IPL make them formidable contenders. Additionally, Ali Naseer, with his familiarity with the conditions, adds another dimension to the Vipers’ bowling arsenal. As the teams gear up for the clash, fans eagerly anticipate the on-field drama that promises to unfold in this thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium.