Dubai,
Gulf Giants pulled off a hard-fought three-runs win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the 28th match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Their skipper James Vince’s knock of 50 in 39 balls with five boundaries and a six, Jordan Cox’s 57 runs off 38 balls with two boundaries and four sixes, and their 103 opening partnership backed by Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 39 off 27 balls with five boundaries gave them a total of 166 for 3 in 20 overs.
Abu Dhabi chased through opener Jason Roy’s 47 off 31 balls with five boundaries and two sixes. He put on a 50 runs partnership for the second wicket off 24 balls with Joe Clarke (20) and a 51 runs partnership in 38 balls for the third wicket with Alishan Sharafu (29). Laurie Evans too tried hard through an unbeaten 33 runs, but that was not enough to win the match.
The Giants will now take on MI Emirates in the Qualifier 1.
Brief scores:
Gulf Giants bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by three runs.
Gulf Giants 166 for 3 in 20 overs (James Vince 50, Jordan Cox 57, Shimron Hetmyer 39n.o, Ali Khan 2 for 39)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 163 for 9 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 47, Joe Clarke 20, Alishan Sharafu 29, Laurie Evans 34n.o, Jamie Overton 3 for 32, Chris Jordan 2 for 22)
Player of the Match: Jamie Overton