Overview:
Andre Russell’s landmark 500th T20 wicket couldn’t prevent ADKR from losing to the Desert Vipers, who secured a two-wicket win in a nail-biting finish.
Even though Andre Russell has retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and joined the backroom staff of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he added another feather to his cap on December 5. During the ILT20 contest between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers, he picked up his 500th T20 wicket, a remarkable feat in his cricketing journey.
Andre Russell has etched his name alongside the legends of T20 cricket by reaching the 500-wicket milestone. He becomes the sixth bowler to achieve this feat, joining Sunil Narine, who recently celebrated his 600th wicket. Russell’s milestone came when he claimed the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer.
Andre Russell was presented with a unique jersey by ADKR in recognition of his remarkable 500-wicket milestone after the match. The West Indies all-rounder is set to take on the role of KKR’s Power Coach in IPL 2026.
T20 Bowlers with 500 Wickets
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets |
| Rashid Khan | 500 | 681 |
| Dwayne Bravo | 582 | 631 |
| Sunil Narine | 569 | 602 |
| Imran Tahir | 446 | 570 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 462 | 504 |
| Andre Russell | 576 | 500 |
Andre Russell’s landmark 500th T20 wicket couldn’t prevent ADKR from losing to the Desert Vipers, who secured a two-wicket win in a nail-biting finish. Alex Hales contributed a key 53 off 37 balls as ADKR posted 171 in their 20 overs.
A special milestone by a special Knight. 💜
— Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (@ADKRiders) December 6, 2025
Andre Russell | #WeAreADKR | #AbuDhabiKnightRiders | #DPWorldILT20 | #DVvADKR pic.twitter.com/4jLlHO1qhp
The Desert Vipers’ spin duo of Noor Ahmad and Qais Ahmad effectively choked the ADKR batters, leading to a flurry of wickets during the middle overs. Andre Russell’s cameo of 36 off 23 balls, including three fours and two sixes, gave ADKR some late momentum.
The Vipers’ blistering start was halted by the Knight Riders’ spin attack, led by Ajay Kumar and Narine. However, the solid partnership between Dan Lawrence and Shimron Hetmyer shifted momentum and guided the Vipers to victory.
Khuzaima Tanveer delivered a match-winning knock of 31 off 12 balls, securing the Vipers’ second successive victory. ADKR’s next challenge comes against the Dubai Capitals on Sunday, December 7.