Knight Riders sign off with consolation win against Sharjah
Gulf Giants overpower Desert Vipers by five-wickets through Hetmyer’s half century
Abu Dhabi Knight Rider’s opener Joe Clarke dented Sharjah Warriors’ hopes of getting closer to the play-offs by guiding the hosts to a fivewicket in the DP World ILT20 match at Shaikh Zayed Stadium yesterday.
Chasing a 131 for win, Clarke’s half-century set the tone for Knight Riders, who coasted to the target for their first win in the inaugural edition. Though the victory has come in the last match of their campaign, it’s nevertheless redeemed their pride and will give them the boost for their next campaign.
Put in to bat first, Sharjah lost opener Dawid Malan early. Riding on other opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Evin Lewis’ partnership, the visitors reached a healthy 71 for two in 9 overs, but lost their way from the halfway stage. The loss of frequent wickets did not help Sharjah’s cause, scoring under 60 in the final 10.
In the opening match of the double-header, Shimron Hetmyer gave the bragging rights to Gulf Giants after overpowering Desert Vipers in the top of the table clash at Dubai International Stadium yesterday.
Hetmyer, who was Gulf Giants’ hero in their previous match against MI Emirates through his last-ball six, scored a stroke-filled 54 off 35 balls. He was backed by skipper James Vince’s 39 runs to help Gulf Giants post 180 for 6 in 20 overs.
Tight attack
Desert Vipers could muster only 155 for 6 against the tight Gulf Giants attack. Tom Curran tried hard to take his team to target through an unbeaten 42 off 33 balls, but his efforts went in vain.
Electing to bowl, Desert Viper rested their three regular players Wanindu Hasaranga, Gus Atkinson and Luke Wood as both the teams have booked their spots in the play-offs. During the powerplay, Gulf Giants scored 55 for one and lost Chris Lynn soon after.
Meanwhile, former Indian wicketkeeper Naman Ojha comes in as a replacement for Dinesh Chandimal, who has been called up for domestic duty by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. The 39-year-old Ojha is expected to join the squad soon, ahead of the Vipers’ first playoff game in Dubai on Wednesday.
Ojha said: “I am really excited about being part of the Desert Vipers team in the DP World ILT20. After retiring in 2021, I have been looking for wicketkeeping and batting opportunities in franchise teams. So, this is a terrific opportunity for me.”