The Gulf Giants kicked off their International League T20 (ILT20) campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding six-wicket victory over the MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. This crucial win also snapped a disappointing six-match losing streak for the Giants.
Nissanka, Omarzai Steal the Show in Dominant Chase
Chasing a target of 160, the Giants' innings got off to a shaky start. English pacer Chris Woakes struck early, removing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) and Gerhard Erasmus (1) cheaply. However, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a magnificent, match-winning knock of 81 runs off just 42 balls.
Nissanka, after a cautious beginning, accelerated brilliantly, reaching his half-century in 30 deliveries. He found a steady partner in Moeen Ali (26 off 21), with the pair adding 67 runs to stabilize the chase before Ali was run out.
The real fireworks, however, were provided by Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Coming in later, he unleashed a brutal assault, particularly on star leg-spinner Rashid Khan. Omarzai hammered 23 runs in a single over off Rashid, smashing four and three sixes to decisively shift momentum. He remained unbeaten on a blistering 39 from only 16 balls.
Nissanka's dismissal in the 15th over, after a flurry of boundaries, was a mere hiccup as the Giants, powered by Omarzai's onslaught, romped home to reach 161/4 in just 14.4 overs.
Giants' Bowlers Set Up Victory Early
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, the MI Emirates innings never found its rhythm, thanks to a disciplined and potent bowling attack from the Gulf Giants. The pace duo of Nuwan Thushara and Azmatullah Omarzai wreaked havoc in the powerplay, reducing the Emirates to 36/3.
Thushara claimed two wickets in the 'caught and bowled' fashion, dismissing Mohammed Waseem (1) and Jonny Bairstow (11). Omarzai complemented him by cleaning up Tom Banton (6). The middle order struggled to build partnerships, with only Nicholas Pooran (46 off 39) and skipper Kieron Pollard offering resistance.
Pollard played a characteristic explosive innings, scoring a 33-ball 50. His assault in the 13th over, where he hit Tabraiz Shamsi for three consecutive sixes, provided much-needed impetus. He and Pooran stitched together a 78-run partnership, but the Giants' bowlers kept a tight leash overall. Four out of five MI Emirates bowlers later conceded over 10 runs per over, highlighting the pressure of defending a modest total.
A Statement Win to Launch the Campaign
This clinical performance marks a perfect start for the Gulf Giants. The team showcased a balanced effort, with the bowlers restricting a powerful batting line-up and the batters, led by Nissanka and Omarzai, chasing down the target with considerable ease and overs to spare. The victory will serve as a massive confidence booster as they look to build momentum in the tournament.
Cricket fans in India can catch all the LIVE action of the ILT20 exclusively on Zee's linear TV channels and the Zee5 OTT platform. Zee5 Hindi is the exclusive digital partner, offering free-to-view streaming of the matches.
