Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Jan 19: Gulf Giants finally opened their account in the ILT20 season 3 with a resounding six-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals on Saturday evening, chasing down a target of 166 in just 18.1 overs.

Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer delivered a match-winning unbeaten partnership of 80 runs off just 44 balls. Erasmus smashed a steady 34-ball half-century, while Hetmyer dazzled with an explosive 41* off 20 balls, including four towering sixes.

Earlier, the Dubai Capitals struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals to finish at 165/7. Aayan Afzal Khan and Mark Adair led the Giants’ bowling attack, claiming two wickets each.

Adam Lyth set the tone for the Giants with a fiery 32 off 17 balls, hammering four boundaries and a six before falling in the eighth over to Farhan Khan. Despite losing James Vince (10) and Ibrahim Zadran early, Erasmus and Hetmyer steered the chase with precision and power.

Hetmyer’s fireworks included an 18-run over off Olly Stone, while Erasmus kept the scoreboard ticking with a calm approach. The duo sealed the win with 11 balls to spare, capping off a clinical run chase.

For the Capitals, Dasun Shanaka’s late 33 off 20 balls, featuring three sixes, provided a crucial lift. Sikandar Raza contributed a brisk 28, but the lack of partnerships hurt their chances.

Player of the Match Gerhard Erasmus expressed his joy, stating, “Getting our first win after a few losses was special. We believed in our quality and stayed positive, which helped us express ourselves better. I have great memories of this ground with the Namibian team, and tonight added to them.”

With this victory, Gulf Giants gain momentum as the ILT20 action intensifies.