News DeskDubai, UAE – In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Shaheen Afridi’s stellar bowling performance, securing three crucial wickets for 22 runs, paved the way for Desert Vipers to clinch a six-wicket victory against defending champions Gulf Giants in the seventh match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2.
Choosing to bowl after winning the toss, Afridi, making his tournament debut, immediately made an impact, conceding only a boundary in the opening over. Mohammad Amir and Afridi struck early, dismissing skipper James Vince and Jamie Smith, respectively. However, Chris Lynn’s resilient innings of 63 off 42 balls, supported by Jordan Cox, anchored Gulf Giants to a competitive total of 160 for 6 in 20 overs.
Vipers faced an early setback, losing Colin Munro in the chase, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s explosive knock of 42 off 19 balls, along with valuable contributions from Adam Hose and Azam Khan, led them to victory with eight balls to spare. Hasaranga’s aggressive approach, coupled with Afridi’s clinical bowling, propelled Desert Vipers from the bottom of the table to the fourth position.
Chris Lynn’s half-century and Afridi’s three crucial wickets were the highlights for Gulf Giants, but it was Wanindu Hasaranga’s exceptional all-round performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Vipers’ skipper, Colin Munro, praised both Hasaranga and Afridi for their outstanding contributions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in T20 cricket.
Gulf Giants’ skipper, James Vince, acknowledged Hasaranga’s impactful innings and expressed the need for improvement in all facets of the game. Wanindu Hasaranga, named Player of the Match, shared his satisfaction in contributing with the bat, showcasing his all-rounder skills.
Brief Scores: Desert Vipers bt Gulf Giants by 6 wkts. Gulf Giants 160 for 6 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 63, Jordan Cox 32, Shaheen Afridi 3 for 22) Desert Vipers 162 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Alex Hales 21, Adam Hose 39, Wanindu Hasaranga 42, Azam Khan 26n.o, Sherfane Rutherford 20n.o)
Player of the Match: Wanindu Hasaranga
