ILT20: Gulf Giants thump Desert Vipers in the summit clash to seal the title

The final of the ILT20 was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (February 12), with the Desert Vipers taking on the Gulf Giants. The Gulf Giants won the toss and elected to bowl first.

The Vipers lost their top four batters inside 9 overs. Wicketkeeper Sam Billings (31) and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (55 off 27; 6 fours and 2 sixes) took their team out of hot water. Apart from them, the rest of the players could not build on the momentum, and the Vipers could only manage to post 146-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Carlos Brathwaite was the pick of the bowlers for the Giants, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs.

Chasing 147 for victory, the Orange Army got off to a strong start with opener Chris Lynn leading the way. He scored an unbeaten 72 off 50 balls, including 9 fours and 1 six. Shimron Hetmyer also made a valuable contribution with 25 not out in just 13 deliveries. The Giants reached the set target with 7 wickets in hand and eight balls to spare, lifting the title of the inaugural ILT20.

📹 That exact moment when @GulfGiants became the #PehlaBawaalChampion 🏆#DVvGG #CricketOnZee #BawaalFinalWeek pic.twitter.com/WlJ44s0VWu

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 12, 2023

Brathwaite was declared the Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance.

Yet another tournament for Andy flower. The Gulf giants are the inaugural @ilt20official champions. Congratulations to them! @ilt20onzee#DVvGG #CricketOnZee #BawaalFinalWeek #PehlaBawaalChampion pic.twitter.com/W8Z5JtjYWt

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) February 12, 2023

The Giants are delighted with their comprehensive victory in the summit clash. On the other hand, the Vipers are left to rue the missed opportunities at crucial moments of the match.

Let the celebrations begin 🫶🏆

📹 @GulfGiants fans soak in this historic moment🏆
.#DVvGG #CricketOnZee #DPWorldILT20 #PehlaBawaalChampion pic.twitter.com/sqkkhFPLwg

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 12, 2023