GG VS MIE MATCH 26

Right then, that's all from this game, where the Gulf Giants registered a clinical win to leap to the top two on the points table. Next up in the 2024 International League T20, it will be Dubai Capitals taking on Desert Vipers here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. That game will be played on Friday, 9th of February and will start at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), but as always, you can join us in advance for all the build-up. Till then, take care, and cheers!

Chris Jordan is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding spell with the ball. He says it was a good win and in such crunch moments, he tries to keep it simple and execute plans well. He further says he has been working hard with the bowling coaches and it is helping him so far.

James Vince the winning captain says that this was a bit similar to the last game and Jamie Smith played really well. Adds that Chris Jordan along with the other bowlers were excellent and his job is just to back the bowlers. Ends by saying that the last three games, they were under pressure to make even into top four but now they will aim for the top two.

Kieron Pollard the captain of MI Emirates says that they fell short of a few runs. Adds that at the end you don't have time to get set and you just have to hit it. Says that Jordan bowled really well in the death and adds that they have a lot of positives to take away from this game.

It's time for the presentation ceremony..

Earlier in the game, the Gulf Giants got off to a flyer, scoring 61 runs in the powerplay, thanks to the skipper James Vince who scored 59 runs. However, they struggled to maintain the momentum against the spinners and lost 4 wickets in quick succession. Jamie Smith with some help from Jamie Overton fought hard towards the end, guiding their side to a commendable total of 158 runs, which seemed improbable during the collapse in the middle overs. Waqar Salamkheil remained the pick of the bowlers for his outstanding spell with 3 crucial wickets.

The Gulf Giants bowling attack proved formidable from the outset, with Gerhard Erasmus making significant inroads by removing the opener Muhammad Waseem just as the opposition was gaining momentum. Chris Jordan further bolstered their defence by dismissing the dangerous Andre Fletcher right before the conclusion of the powerplay. Aayan Khan's introduction into the attack yielded immediate results as he swiftly accounted for the wicket of Ambati Rayudu. Adding to the pressure, Jamie Overton's precise throw resulted in a direct hit to dismiss Dan Mousley, effectively halting the scoring rate. The bowlers finished the game well with Chris Jordan picking the big fish Kieron Pollard and chocking the Emirates to 153 runs.

MI Emirates had a promising start as both Kusal Perera and Muhammad Waseem showcased their batting prowess, scoring runs with ease. Waseem, in an attempt to mirror Parera's aggressive approach, unfortunately, succumbed in the fourth over. The momentum suffered further blows as Andre Fletcher and Ambati Rayudu departed in quick succession, leaving MI Emirates on the defensive. A mix-up between the wickets led to the dismissal of Dan Mousley, adding to the pressure. Although Kieron Pollard contributed a valuable innings of 40 runs, the mounting required run rate constrained his ability to unleash his full batting prowess.  A quick-fire 26 from Jordan Thompson at the end did put up a fight but came a bit too late.

What a commendable bowling effort is has been. The Gulf Giants have taken a leap on the points table, restricting MI Emirates to 153 runs and securing victory by a margin of 5 runs.

SIX! BOOM! POWERFUL WAY TO END THE INNINGS! Gulf Giants have won the match but Jordan Thompson has provided a lot of fireworks to end the match! On a length and outside off. Jordan Thompson whacks it, standing back in his crease and sends it over the cow corner fence for another maximum to end the over. Gulf Giants win by a margin of 6 runs as 24 runs come off the over.

FOUR! Jordan Thompson is on a roll here and is providing heaps of entertainment! Very full and outside off. Jordan Thompson fetches it from there and carves it through point. The ball races away to the fence for four more runs.

FOUR! MORE RUNS! Delivers it full and around off. Jordan Thompson swings hard and gets the connection on the outer edge. The ball flies wide of short third and runs away to the fence for four runs.

SIX! BANG! UP UP AND AWAY! Jordan Thompson doesn't want to go down without a fight! Jamie Overton goes full and on off. Jordan Thompson picks it up well and sends it over the long on fence for a cracking six. Good hitting but it is a bit too late.

FOUR! A welcome boundary but that means that the chances to win are negligible! Goes full and around off. Jordan Thompson thumps it through the gap covers. The ball races away to the fence for four runs.

A full ball and wide outside off. Jordan Thompson swings and misses. Good delivery

Short and over off. Jordan Thompson tries to flick it but the ball hits him and rolls away towards short fine leg. They run a leg bye.

Full and outside off. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth drives it to deep cover and gets off the mark with a single.