In an exhilarating Super Over climax, Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah showcased his prowess by defending 13 runs, leading the Desert Vipers to their third consecutive victory against the Gulf Giants in the ILT20’s fourth season at Dubai International Stadium on Monday.
The teams were neck-and-neck after 40 intense overs, with the Vipers equaling the Giants’ 179 for five but losing nine wickets in the process.
In the Super Over, the Vipers scored 13 runs, putting the spotlight on Naseem. Despite starting with a no-ball due to a high full-toss, the 22-year-old bowler regained his form, using his blistering speed to restrict Moeen Ali and Tom Moore, allowing the Giants only nine runs.
This thrilling T20 cricket match concluded with Pathum Nissanka of the Giants achieving his third consecutive half-century of the season, scoring 56 off 29 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Sri Lankan Nissanka was well-supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who added 41 runs off 31 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes. However, the Vipers fought back after the Giants’ openers posted 73 runs within seven overs.
In response, the Vipers experienced frequent wicket losses, but Dan Lawrence (56 off 31 balls) and captain Sam Curran (44 off 36 balls) kept the chase alive.
Afghan medium-pacer Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a remarkable performance, taking 4 wickets for 34 runs, bringing the Giants back into contention.
Yet, in a tense final over with the Vipers needing 13 runs from 6 balls at 167 for seven, Omarzai couldn’t deliver the magic ball to seal the win, leading to the Super Over.
Naseem’s skill and control ultimately secured the Vipers’ top position, with six points from three matches, two points ahead of the second-placed Giants.
Brief Scores
Desert Vipers defeat Gulf Giants in the Super Over
Gulf Giants 179/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 56, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 41, Khuzaima Tanveer 2 for 23, Noor Ahmad 2 for 47)
Desert Vipers 179/9 in 20 overs (Dan Lawrence 56, Sam Curran 44, Azmatullah Omarzai 4 for 32, Nuwan Thushara 2 off 33)
Super Over
Desert Vipers 13/1 in 1 over (Dan Lawrence 10, Shimron Hetmyer 3*, Nuwan Thushara 1 for 13)
Gulf Giants 9/0 in 1 over (Moeen Ali 5*, Tom Moores 1*, Naseem Shah 0 for 9)
Player of the match: Dan Lawrence
