The final of the ILT20 was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (February 12), with the Desert Vipers taking on the Gulf Giants. The♕ Gulf Giants won the toss and elected to b𒊎owl first.
The Vipers lost their top four batters inside 9 overs. Wicketkeeper Sam Billings (31) and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (55 off 27; 6 fours and 2 sixes) took their team out of hot water. Apart from them, the rest of the players could not build on the momentum, and the Vipers could only manage to post 146-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Carlos Brathwaite was the pi🥃ck of the bowlers for the Giants, taking 🥃3 wickets for 19 runs.
Chasing 147 for victory, the Orange Army got off to a strong start with opener Chris Lynn leading the way. He scored an unbeaten 72 off 50 balls, including 9 fours and 1 six. Shimron Hetmyer also made a valuable contribution with 25 not out in just 13 deliveries. The Giants reached the set target wi൩th 7 wickets in hand and eight balls to spare, lifting the title of the inaugural ILT20.
📹 That exact moment when became the 🏆
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee)
Brathwaite was declared the Player of the Match for his impressive bowliꦰng performance.
Yet another tournament for A🐭ndy f𒁃lower. The Gulf giants are the inaugural champions. Congratulations to them!
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav)
The Giants are delighte🐻d with their comprehensive victory in the summit clash. On the other hand, the Vipers are left to rue the missed opportunities at crucial moments of t﷽he match.
Let the celebrations begin 🫶🏆
📹 fans soak in this historic moment🏆
.— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee)