On 12 February 2023, Gulf Giants took on Desert Vipers in the final of the inaugural reason of the International League T20. The stage was set in Dubai as fans were hoping for an enthralling battle between these sides. Both teams finished as the top two sides after the group stage. Speaking of the match, Gulf Giants won the toss and elected to bowl first.
For Desert Vipers, Rohan Mustafa and Alex Hales came out to open the innings. But, both openers got out after they scored 13 runs in 1.5 overs. Sam Billings scored 31 runs off 29 balls, including three fours. Then, Wanindu Hasaranga scored 55 runs off 27 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Gulf Giants defeated Desert Vipers by seven wickets in the final of the ILT20
He batted at a strike rate of 203.70. Apart from all these players, others came up with some contributions as they scored 146 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. For Gulf Giants, Carlos Braithwaite took three wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Along with him, Qais Ahmad took two wickets while Colin de Grandhomme and Chris Jordan took one wicket each. For the Giants squad, skipper James Vince and Chris Lynn came out to open the innings.
But, Vince scored only 14 runs off 14 balls, including one four and one six. Colin de Grandhomme managed only one run off two balls. Then, Gerhard Erasmus scored 30 runs off 33 balls, including one four and one six. But, Shimron Hetmyer scored 25* runs off 13 balls, including five fours. Along with him, Chris Lynn played a top knock of 72* runs off 50 balls, nine fours, and one six. He batted at a strike rate of 144. Finally, they chased down the target in 18.4 overs with seven wickets in the bag. Carlos Braithwaite won the player of the match award for his bowling performance in the final.
Here is how fans have reacted to the victory of Gulf Giants in the final of the inaugural champions of ILT20:
Adani kahi to acha kar raha h😅 pic.twitter.com/jqAjluhysK
— abhishek agrawal🇮🇳 (@abhishe92065110) February 12, 2023
Adani supremacy pic.twitter.com/08WHLdYwgA
— Nayak (@nayakjayas3) February 12, 2023
Irrelevant league
— Shubh࿗ (@cric_shub41) February 12, 2023
Adani mass💥💥
— Hasanmuki (@haage_sumane) February 12, 2023
Lynny 💜🔥
— Arka (@ARKA0432) February 12, 2023
Carpenters league
— Saad Mohammed (@saadmd_13) February 12, 2023
RaGa : Ye bhi Adani ko de diya, Modi ji sab kuch Adani ko de rhe hai !
— Harsh Tegta (@tegtaharsh97) February 12, 2023
Gulf Giants are the champions of ILT20. pic.twitter.com/pmPVFsl5VX
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2023