Qualifier 2, Sharjah, February 15, 2024, 08:00 PM
Gulf Giants
138/6(20.0ov)
Dubai Capitals
139/1(15.5ov)
Dubai Capitals beat Gulf Giants by 9 wickets
Right then, that is it from the game. A one-sided affair as the Dubai Capitals make their way into the finals. They will now face the MI Emirates on Saturday, the 17th of February. The game will begin at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), but as you know, our build-up begins much sooner so do join us for the same. Until then, take care, and cheers!
Leus du Plooy is the player of the match for his unbeaten knock of 63 runs. He says that it was really fun out there and their bowlers did really well. He says that he tried to attack maximum and keep fewer dot balls. He ends by saying that he has a great team and is happy to play in the finals.
Sam Billings, the skipper of the Dubai Capitals, says that they are sticking to basic cricket and they bounced back after having a bad start. He says that the pitches were difficult to predict and that it is always a team effort and as a captain, he tries to give his best. Ends by saying they will try to give their best in the finals.
James Vince, the skipper of the Gulf Giants, says that the conditions got better after batting, so choosing to bat first was not a good call. He adds that there are a lot of positives to take away from this tournament and there are many quality players here. Ends by saying that it is really tough to win any T20 competition and this hurts but they gave their best shot.
Presentations coming up...
Earlier in the match, the Gulf Giants struggled initially but managed to post a competitive total of 138/6 thanks to a crucial partnership between James Vince and Chris Jordan. Dubai Capitals' bowlers, led by Haider Ali, performed well overall, with most taking a wicket each. However, Olly Stone and Sikandar Raza were a bit costly for their likes. The total set by the Gulf Giants was considered par, keeping in mind the conditions and the way the pitch behaved.
Gulf Giants bowlers were under the pump from the word go. They failed to bowl tight lines and failed to pick wickets. They gave too many extras at the start, too. Liam Dawson was the only bowler who picked up a wicket and that was it. The rest of their bowlers leaked runs.
The Dubai Capitals knew they needed a good start when they came out to bat and tried not to give any openings to the Giants. Leus Du Plooy and Tom Banton did exactly that and ran a havoc over the bowlers. Tom Banton fell on 38 after putting his side in a comfortable position and Tom Abell came on and finished things off with Leus Du Plooy. Leus du Plooy and Tom Abell stayed unbeaten on 63 and 20 respectively.
DUBAI CAPITALS ARE IN THE FINALS! A convincing victory for the Dubai Capitals as they make their way into the finals! The Gulf Giants were hoping to make a match out of this but were absolutely blown away by the Leus Du Plooy-Tom Banton storm!
In over# 16
4
1
1
1
1
Aayan Khan 23/0(1.5)
15.5
4
FOUR! That's it! Leus du Plooy finishes things off in style! Fired in quicker, fraction too short, Leus du Plooy stays back and drives imperiously through the covers. Dubai Capitals beat Gulf Giants by 9 wickets!
15.4
1
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Tom Abell taps it to mid on for one again.
15.3
1
Shortish, on middle, Leus du Plooy tucks it to mid-wicket for one more.
15.2
1
Back of a length outside off. Tom Abell gives himself a touch of room and punches it to mid on for one.
15.1
1
Bowls it on off, Leus du Plooy eases it to mid-wicket for one.
In over# 15
1
6
1
4
0
1
Jamie Overton 23/0(3)
14.6
1
Length, on off, Leus du Plooy flicks it to mid-wicket for one. Just 8 needed now!
14.5
6
SIX! Up, up and away! Full and outside off, Leus du Plooy picks it well and lofts it thunderously over long on for a biggie!
14.4
1
Lands it on off, Tom Abell eases it to point for one.