Gulf Giants power through to ILT20 final after beating MI Emirates

Gulf Giants made a giant leap over MI Emirates through James Vince’s knock of 83 in Qualifier 2 of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday to book their place in the final.

They will now meet Desert Vipers in the title clash at the same venue on Sunday February 12.

Opening the innings, Vince virtually carried the team on his shoulders through an unbeaten 83 which came off 56 balls with ten boundaries and one six.

MI Emirates had posted a challenging 167 for 5 through their skipper Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 57 runs from 35 balls with three boundaries and four sixes.

Vince, despite wickets falling at the other end, carried his team to the target with 11 balls to spare.

The race for the place in the final began with Gulf Giants winning the toss and electing to bowl.

Afghanistan’s star legspinner Rashid Khan meanwhile joined MI Emirates in Dubai for the ILT20 playoffs after South Africa’s SA20 wrapped up. He was named in the line-up of MI Emirates on Thursday.

But despite registering a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Dubai Capitals on Thursday, MI Emirates lost to Gulf Giants by four wickets on Friday.

Apart from the race to the DP World ILT20 trophy, another interesting and exciting race is being run on the side. The cricketing superstars have focused on taking their team over the line, but have also kept an eye on the unique set of individual awards throughout the month-long tournament being held in the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 will present the Green (top scorer), White (top wicket-taker), Red (Most Valuable Player), Blue (Most Valuable UAE Player) as well as Black (owner of the winning team) Belts at the end of the competition.