Gulf Giants overcome MI Emirates in thrilling ILT20 contest

The Gulf Giants were forced to dig deep to defeat the MI Emirates by two wickets, in what was a nail-biter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday in Season 3 of the DP World ILT20.

They looked down and out at one stage, before their lower order showed nerves of steel to guide the side over the finish line against the MI Emirates. The win helps the Gulf Giants move to fifth on the points table.

Asked to bat first, the MI Emirates 151/6 in their 20 overs. Tom Banton scored 56 while Kieron Pollard made 34.

Daniel Worral took 2 wickets for 19 for the Gulf Giants.

In reply, Gulf Giants reached home in on the last ball of the match, losing eight wickets.

Gerhard Erasmus scored 37 and Tom Alsop 32.

UAE's Aayan Afzal Khan combined with Tom Curran (16) and Muhammad Zuhaib (1 not out) to clinch a thrilling win off the final delivery of the game.

Aayan, who scored an unbeaten 11 of six deliveries, was instrumental in helping his side over the line.

Earlier, Desert Vipers (152/2 in 14.5 overs) beat Sharjah Warriorz (151/8 in 20 overs) by eight wickets in the first match on Saturday.

Desert Vipers remain on top with 12 points from seven matches.