Defending champions Gulf Giants defeat Sharjah Warriors by 31 runs in DP World ILT20 Season 2 opener

The defending champions, Gulf Giants commenced their campaign with a remarkable 31-run victory over the Sharjah Warriors in the first match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Gulf Giants set a target of 198 for 7 in 20 overs, bolstered by a strong opening partnership of 61 runs in 5.2 overs between captain James Vince and Jamie Smith.

Advertisment

For Giants, Vince was the top scorer with 45 runs off 35 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, while Smith contributed a brisk 42 off 18 balls, featuring three boundaries and four sixes. The breakthrough for Gulf Giants was provided by off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who bowled brilliantly and finished with figures of 4 for 15. The star Sri Lankan spinner played a key role as he employed carrom ball deliveries and accurate off-cutters. 

On the other hand, it was Usman Khan for Giants who contributed a quick 32 runs off 18 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Jordan Cox added 32 runs off 22 balls with two boundaries and two sixes. Although the Giants could post over 225 runs at one stage, Theekshana's tight bowling and Chris Woakes's two wickets for 35 runs restricted them.

Sharjah Warriors failed to convert impressive starts

Advertisment

Sharjah Warriors initiated their chase confidently, establishing an opening partnership of 93 runs in 10.3 overs between Martin Guptill and Johnson Charles. However, in the end, they could only manage to reach 167 for 7 in 20 overs. Jamie Overton played a key role by dismissing Guptill for 40 and later Charles for 57.

Once this crucial partnership was broken, Gulf Giants intensified their efforts, with Chris Jordan claiming two wickets in the 17th over. Guptill scored 40 runs off 30 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six, while Charles contributed 57 runs off 38 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. Apart from them none of the batters could really get going.