Gulf Giants became the champion of the inaugural edition of International League T20 (ILT20) on Sunday, February 12 in Dubai. In the final match, they defeated Desert Vipers and won the first trophy of ILT20. The Vipers scored 146 runs for 8 wickets while batting first, in response the Gulf Giants team achieved the target in the 19th over itself.
Gulf captain James Vince won the toss and elected to bowl first. This decision of James proved to be correct and the bowlers of Gulf Giants gave 4 big shocks to the Desert Vipers while giving up just 44 runs. From here, thanks to the innings of Sam Billings (31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (55), Desert Vipers were able to reach a respectable score of 146. Gulf Giants bowler Carlos Brathwaite got three wickets and Qais Ahmed got two wickets. De Grandhomme and Chris Jordan also got one wicket each.
Chasing the target of 147 runs, the Gulf Giants got two setbacks at the beginning itself. Captain James Vince (14) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (1) returned to the pavilion in the powerplay. From here, Chris Lynn scored an unbeaten 72 off 50 balls to sail the Gulf team through. He was well supported by Gerhard Erasmus (30) and Shimron Hetmyer (25 not out). Giants ended up winning the match by losing just 3 wickets in 18.4 overs. Brathwaite was elected ‘Player of the Match’ for his strong bowling.
It is good for young players to learn: James Vince
Gulf Giants players celebrate after winning the first trophy of ILT20. All the players of the team got the photo clicked with the trophy in turn. During this, the enthusiasm of cricket fans was seen at its peak in the stadium as well.
The winning captain, Vince talked about the victory in the post-match presentation and said, “It is a great feeling. Congratulations to the Desert Vipers as well but only one team can win. Taking some big wickets, Hasaranga batted well and put us under pressure but we fought back with the ball. Sticky surface but Lynny showed his class tonight. It is good for the young players to learn from the experienced family. The Adani family and the Gulf Giants have been really supportive.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Doobte ko tinke ka sahara
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) February 13, 2023
Adani mass💥💥
— Hasanmuki (@haage_sumane) February 12, 2023
Pakistan fans right now pic.twitter.com/F2hUsQkJRq
— Kumar Rahul (@ManishR829479) February 12, 2023
RCB be like :- pic.twitter.com/ct52dTAO1z
— ҒIRΣ 45 (@MyWorld264) February 12, 2023
Adani supremacy pic.twitter.com/08WHLdYwgA
— Nayak (@nayakjayas3) February 12, 2023
RaGa : Ye bhi Adani ko de diya, Modi ji sab kuch Adani ko de rhe hai !
— Harsh Tegta (@tegtaharsh97) February 12, 2023
Warra ipl trophy for chokli 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Gc98gQWSPc
— 49 (@rohit_devotee45) February 12, 2023
Perth scorcher done ✅
Sunrisers Eastern Cape ✅
Gulf Giant's ✅
Now it's time for SRHORANGE 🧡 YEAR 🧡 pic.twitter.com/rG1969T09v
— CRICKET DUGOUT (@Cricket_Dugout) February 12, 2023
