NEW DELHI: Gulf Giants roared back to winning ways with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This crucial win not only saw the Giants climb to third place but also significantly boosted their playoff chances.
A stellar bowling performance restricted the Knight Riders to a modest 123, and the Giants chased down the target with ease, thanks to a crucial 70-run partnership between Gerhard Erasmus and Tom Curran, followed by a powerful finish from Shimron Hetmyer.
Gulf Giants’ coach, Andy Flower, acknowledged the challenges but lauded his team’s determined effort. “Well, we’re hanging in there. It’s been a struggle, that’s for sure. But we had to win today, and we’ve won quite comprehensively in the end after a great bowling display,” said Flower after the match.
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He pointed out that conditions were not in favor of the batsmen, making the victory even more commendable. “You know, the ball swings down here. It wasn’t easy batting for either side, and it’s great to get those points.”
Flower singled out two standout performers who have been instrumental in the Giants’ campaign. “I suppose the two standout individuals for us so far have been Muzarabani, Blessing Muzarabani from Zimbabwe, who has exploited any seam movement or movement in the air. And with his bounce from that height, six foot eight, he’s been brilliant and very, very consistent,” he said.
Muzarabani’s ability to extract movement and generate bounce has been crucial for the Giants, but his presence in the squad was set to be short-lived. “He leaves us tomorrow actually and goes and plays Test cricket for Zimbabwe,” Flower confirmed.
Alongside Muzarabani, another name that has shone this season is UAE’s Ayaan Khan. Flower was full of praise for the young spinner. “And then the little short youngster who’s on the other end of the height scale, Ayaan Khan from the UAE, he’s bowled brilliantly. I think he’s got 10 wickets. He’s got the lowest economy possibly this season. Certainly, over the three seasons, he’s got the lowest economy for any bowler, international or UAE, and 10 or 12 wickets already in the season. So he’s been brilliant for us.”
The match itself was a testament to the team’s balanced approach. Despite a shaky start where David Willey’s early breakthroughs put the Giants under pressure, Erasmus and Curran steadied the ship, taking control in the middle overs. Curran’s aggressive stroke play and Erasmus’s stability ensured the chase never derailed.
The final push came from Shimron Hetmyer, whose powerful hitting secured the victory in style. A disciplined effort from the bowlers, with Muzarabani and Ayaan Khan leading the way, set the platform for a comfortable chase.
