DUBAI: Adani Gulf Giants defeated Desert Vipers by seven wickets in the final to emerge as the champions of the inaugural DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first before a packed stadium, Gulf Giants restricted Desert Vipers to 146-8 in 20 overs and then completed the victory in 18.4 overs for the loss of just three wickets.
The stars of the Gulf Giants triumph were Carlos Braithwaite and Qais Ahmad in bowling and Christ Lynn, Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer in the chase.
Desert Vipers reached a respectable total because of Wanindu Hasaranga’s whirlwind knock. Batting at No 6, the Sri Lankan all-rounder hammered six fours and two sixes in his 27-ball innings. The next best batsman was Sam Billings, who made a sedate 31 that came off 29 deliveries and included just three fours.
Carlos Brathwaite was the star bowler for Gulf Giants, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs. The West Indian won the Player of the Match award for his efforts. Qais Ahmad had figures of 2-29.
In the chase, Gulf Giants lost captain James Vince (14) and Colin de Grandhomme (1) early. However, a third-wicket stand of 73 runs in 62 balls between Chris Lynn and Gerhard Erasmus not only helped their team recover but also put them on course for victory. Erasmus was out after making 30, hitting one four and one six.
Lynn was then joined by Shimron Hetmyer. The pair added another 50 runs in 25 balls for the unbeaten fourth wicket partnership as Gulf Giants reached their target with eight balls to spare.
Lynn remained not out on 72. He hammered nine fours and a six in his 50-ball knock. Hetmyer faced just 13 balls and cracked five boundaries in his unbeaten 25.
Luke Wood, Tom Curran and Hasaranga took one wicket each for Desert Vipers.
Brief scores: Gulf Giants beat Desert Vipers by 7 wickets.
Desert Vipers 146-8 in 20 overs (Sam Billings 31, Wanindu Hasaranga 55; Carlos Brathwaite 3-19, Qais Ahmad 2-29). Gulf Giants 149-3 in 18.4 overs (Chris Lynn 72no, Gerhard Erasmus 30, Shimron Hetmyer 25no.
