In the opening clash of the ILT20 season, Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start as the English all-rounder delivered one of the most explosive knocks of the tournament so far. With the IPL auction just days away, Liam Livingstone produced a statement performance—an unbeaten 82 off just 38 balls, featuring eight massive sixes—to set the tone for a commanding victory over Sharjah Warriorz.
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A Fearless Start to the ILT20 Season
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders posted a towering 233/4, thanks not only to Livingstone’s carnage but also valuable contributions from Alex Hales (32 off 19), Alishan Sharafu (34 off 23), and Sherfane Rutherford (45 off 27). The devastating partnership between Livingstone and Rutherford saw them hammer 95 runs off just 49 balls, once again proving that Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start in the most emphatic fashion.
Knight Riders’ Batting Fireworks and Pretorius’ Costly Final Over
The Knight Riders began strongly, racing to 58/1 inside the PowerPlay. Although Adil Rashid’s twin strikes briefly slowed their charge, Livingstone and Rutherford reignited the innings with a relentless display of hitting. Their acceleration between overs 11 to 15—where at least one six was struck in every over—shifted the momentum entirely.
Rashid and Tim Southee bowled exceptionally tight overs at the death, conceding only six runs each. But their discipline was undone when Dwaine Pretorius bowled the final over, conceding a staggering 33 runs. And once again, Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start, leaving Sharjah with a mountain of 234 to chase.
Sharjah Warriorz Fight Hard, But Knight Riders Stay Ahead
Sharjah’s chase began poorly as Johnson Charles, Tom Abell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore were removed early, leaving the scoreboard struggling at 56/3. Tim David tried to revive hopes with a blistering 24-ball 60, smashing seven sixes and a 21-ball fifty. Yet, wickets fell regularly around him, and Sharjah never found the momentum required.
Even with late efforts from Pretorius (39 off 20) and Rashid (25 off 11), the required rate continued to balloon, reaffirming that Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start and kept Sharjah well out of reach.
Left-arm pacer Ajay Kumar delivered a standout performance in a high-scoring contest, finishing with 1/22. Ultimately, as Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start, the team sent an early warning to the rest of the league.
Ending the night in style, Livingstone carnage powers Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to winning start and sets the tone for what could be a powerhouse campaign for the franchise.
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Source: Cricbuzz
