The Gulf Giants registered their maiden victory of the DP World ILT20 Season 3 with a commanding six-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals. The Giants chased down a target of 166 with ease, thanks to a stellar unbeaten partnership between Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer.
Strong Start by Dubai Capitals
Batting first, the Dubai Capitals were restricted to 165/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite an aggressive start, the Capitals lost key wickets at regular intervals. Shai Hope and Ben Dunk provided some early momentum, but their efforts were curtailed by the disciplined Giants’ bowling. Aayan Afzal Khan and Mark Adair were pivotal, claiming two wickets each.
The Capitals found themselves in a precarious position at 121/5 in 15.1 overs after a middle-order collapse. Sikandar Raza and Rovman Powell contributed with a 45-run partnership, but neither could convert their starts into a significant score. Dasun Shanaka’s late blitz, scoring 33 runs off 20 balls, gave the Capitals a respectable total.
Gulf Giants’ Chase Led by Erasmus and Hetmyer
Chasing 166, the Giants got off to a quick start with Adam Lyth leading the charge. His explosive 32 off 17 balls set the tone, but the Giants soon found themselves under pressure after losing James Vince and Ibrahim Zadran early.
With the Giants at 88/5, the match was finely balanced. Enter Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer, who steadied the ship with a crucial 80-run stand in just 44 balls. Erasmus played a composed innings, reaching a 34-ball fifty, while Hetmyer’s aggressive 41 off 20 balls featured four towering sixes.
Match-Winning Partnership
The pair turned the game on its head in the 16th and 17th overs, targeting Obed McCoy and Olly Stone for quick runs. With only 48 needed from the last 30 balls, Erasmus and Hetmyer made light work of the remaining runs, sealing the victory with 11 balls to spare.
Post-Match Reflections
Player of the Match Gerhard Erasmus praised the team’s effort: “We were eager to secure our first win. The collective energy and support from the team played a big role in our performance today.”
Dubai Capitals captain, Sikandar Raza, acknowledged the challenges: “It felt like a Sharjah wicket. Even a target of 170 might not have been enough against the way Erasmus and Hetmyer were batting.”
Brief Scores Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals 165/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 33 not out, Sikandar Raza 28, Ben Dunk 28, Aayan Afzal Khan 2 for 12, Mark Adair 2 for 39)
Gulf Giants 168/4 in 18.1 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 50 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 41 not out, Adam Lyth 32, Farhan Khan 1 for 14, Sikandar Raza 1 for 31)
Player of the Match: Gerhard Erasmus
Gujarat Giants beat Dubai Capitals by six wickets.