| 2W | ||||
| 1W |
| 1W | ||||
| 1W | ||||
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: Shashwat Kumar
10:17pm That will be all from us for today. We will be back with more cricketing action from around the world tomorrow. Until then, from Chandan and myself (Shashwat), this is goodbye!
Aayan Afzal Khan, Player of the Match: It was a spinning wicket. Happy to take a few wickets. To bowl four overs, it feels so good. I did not bowl for a few games, felt so good to bowl now. This match was so good for me. For me, it is so nice to be here (taking this award).
James Vince, Gulf Giants captain: Bowling first, the spinners were excellent through the middle. Whenever he (Aayan) plays, he does an amazing job. Got away from us a bit at the end. As the innings went on, pace-off was tricky to hit. They got 35-40 (at the end) which was probably a little too many. Wanted to get ahead of the game (in the powerplay). It was tricky, as expected, in the middle but managed to get over the line. Pace off the ball, even when the seamers rolled their fingers, it sat a bit. Spinners played a big role throughout the game. (On Nissanka's future) As far as I understand, he should be okay for the next game. But will leave that to the professionals.
Tim Southee, Sharjah Warriorz captain: Last two (matches), we have been in it till the end. Tonight, was a good effort to take it that deep (after the powerplay). 0-3 is not where we want to be, but we have a chance in a couple of days to put that right. There is a little bit of dew. But on that wicket, you needed quality spinners who could take it deep. Spinners bowled really well to give us a chance at the end. (On if they are inclined to change things up) A different opposition next time to contemplate and make the (necessary) decisions.
Shadow-Shell: "Ask and you shall receive, third thriller in 3 matches"
10pm A bit of a slow burn, but things did get tense towards the end. That was largely down to how the Warriorz's spinners bowled. Led by Rashid and Raza, they tied down the Giants through the middle phases and ensured they had to do some more heavy lifting at the death. Unfortunately for SW, they did not have a whole host of runs to play with and that, ultimately, is what pegged them back.
The Giants would have wanted to finish this with much lesser hassle, especially given how Gurbaz and Vince had begun. But they kept losing wickets through the middle and could not sustain their momentum against spin. Thankfully for them, Gurbaz gave them enough of a cushion at the top, with Omarzai holding his nerve adequately to ensure they did not botch a run-chase they were in control of for the majority.
Scores level, meaning that if the Warriorz are to get on the board tonight, they will have to win it via a Super Over. Wondering if we have seen that this week already?
Dickson is the new batter in. What a time to walk in too. 3 off 4
Azmatullah Omarzai c David b Southee 28 (27m 21b 1x4 2x6) SR: 133.33
Another final-over thriller, folks. 9 off 6. Omarzai on strike. Southee to bowl. Who have you got?
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