Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Chris Lynn’s stubborn unbeaten 72 backed by Gerhard Erasmus’s elegant 30 runs and Shimron Hetmyer’s timely and aggressive unbeaten 25 runs helped Adani Gulf Giants emerge as the champions of the inaugural DP World ILT20 beating Desert Vipers by seven wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. In front of a packed stadium, Gulf Giants restricted Desert Vipers to 146 for 8 in 20 overs through Carlos Brathwaite’s fine three-wicket spell and then produced an electrifying finish to the first edition of the DP World ILT20. It was a pulsating chase to the target cheered by a large Sunday crowd, who created an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium. Lynn sparkled under the Ring of Fire through his unconquered 72 runs, which came off 50 balls with nine boundaries and one six. He added 73 runs in 62 balls along with Erasmus, who hit 30 off 33 balls for the third wicket. He then added an unbeaten 50-run partnership off 25 balls with Hetmyer for the fourth wicket. Hetmyer eased Gulf Giants’ pressure of chasing through his unbeaten 25 off 13 balls with five boundaries. Desert Vipers failed to post a big total despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s 55 off 27 balls with six boundaries and two sixes. Sam Billings too had chipped in with 31 off 29 balls with three boundaries. The pair had put on 72 runs in 37 balls for the fifth wicket. The chief destroyers of Desert Vipers’ innings were Carlos Brathwaite (3 for 19) and Qais Ahmad (2 for 29). Brief scores: Gulf Giants beat Desert Vipers by 7 wkts.  Desert Vipers 146 for 8 in 20 overs (Sam Billings 31, Wanindu Hasaranga 55, Carlos Brathwaite 3 for 19, Qais Ahmad 2 for 29) Gulf Giants 149 for 3 in 18.4 overs (Chris Lynn 72, Gerhard Erasmus 30, Shimron Hetmyer 25n.o)

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Gulf Giants made a giant leap over MI Emirates through James Vince’s captain’s knock of 83 in Qualifier 2 of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday to book their place in the final. They will now meet Desert Vipers in the title clash at the same venue on February 12. Opening the innings, Vince virtually carried the team on his shoulders through an unbeaten 83 which came off 56 balls with ten boundaries and one six. MI Emirates had posted a challenging 167 for 5 through their skipper Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 57 runs from 35 balls with three boundaries and four sixes. Vince, despite wickets falling at the other end, carried his team to the target with 11 balls to spare. The race for the place in the final began with Gulf Giants winning the toss and electing to bowl.  MI Emirates opener Andre Fletcher, who top scored in the eliminator through an unbeaten 68 against Dubai Capitals on Thursday, fell to the fourth ball of the second over from Carlos Brathwaite caught by a leaping Chris Jordan at slip for 4. Lorcan Tucker, who joined opener Muhammad Waseem, scored four boundaries off David Wiese in the fourth over to get 18 runs off that over. In the fifth over, Jordan ended Tucker’s stay by having him caught by Aayan Khan for 21. At the end of the powerplay, MI Emirates were 34 for 2.  In the eighth over, Waseem hit Colin de Grandhomme’s fifth delivery for a six. In the next ball, he escaped being caught by Wiese at long-off on 15. Waseem celebrated his escape by hitting leg spinner Qais Ahmed for two successive sixes, one over long-on and the second one pulled over backward square leg. In the 10th over, Dan Mousley fell for 7 while trying to steer Wiese but landed up edging to wicketkeeper Gerhard Erasmus for 7. At the halfway mark, MI Emirates were 67 for 3 and more setbacks followed. In the 11th over. Waseem played Jordan on to his wickets for 31. This brought in two of the finest hitters - skipper Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran to the crease. Pooran, on 3, escaped being caught by Barthwaite at slip off Qais Ahmed’s second delivery of the 12th over. He also got dropped by Sanchit Sharma at deep mid-wicket in the third delivery. Thereafter, the bit hits began. First, Pooran hit Grandhomme for a six. Then Pollard hit Qais for two successive sixes in the 15th over. When Pooran too hit the fifth ball of Qais’ over to over mid-wicket, 22 runs came off that over and the score shot up to 111 for 4. Pooran was dropped for the third time when Grandhomme, in front of square, failed to hold on to his top edge off Brathwaite. He finally fell in the 18th over from Wiese caught by Jordan at long-on for 29 after adding 71 runs in 44 balls for the fifth wicket. Pollard hit his fourth six off Brathwaite over mid-wicket to take his team’s score past the 150-run mark. Fifteen runs were scored off Brathwaite’s 19th over. Pollard reached his 50 in 31 balls in the last over and ensured his team a challenging total. Needing 168 to win, James Vince and Chris Lynn began with a steady flow of runs scoring 10 runs off Trent Boult’s first over. Vince was severe on Boult in the third over hitting him for three consecutive boundaries and another off the last ball to take 16 runs off that over. Strike bowler Rashid Khan was introduced in the fourth over and Lynn slog swept his second delivery for a six. Fourteen runs were scored off Khan’s over and the 50 runs partnership came in 4.2 overs. Bravo provided the breakthrough having Lynn caught by Dan Mousley at extra cover to the last delivery of the powerplay after putting on a 64 runs partnership. In the eighth over, Rashid Khan clean bowled Grandhomme with a googly for 10. At the halfway mark, Gulf Giants were 92 for 2 needing 76 runs from 60 balls. Vince reached his half-century in 39 balls. When Gulf Giants needed 60 runs off 46 balls, Fazalhaq Farooq struck twice off successive balls. He had Erasmus caught by Mousley in the deep, and with the very next ball took the prize wicket of Shimron Hetmyer who hooked straight to Boult at fine leg. Undaunted by the fall of wickets, Vince hit Pollard for a six and a boundary. He also pulled Farooqi for another six to the stands to make it 32 runs from the last five overs. When 24 runs were needed from 25 balls, Rashid Khan removed Wiese caught by Waseem at backward square leg for 15. Brathwaite walked in and hit Bravo for a straight six in the 17th over. When four runs were needed off 12 balls, Boult clean bowled Brathwaite for 13. Vince hit the winning boundary through the covers off Farooqi and remained unconquered to ensure the victory.

Sports Bulletin Report Sharjah (UAE): Scintillating half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher powered MI Emirates to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Dubai Capitals in the eliminator of the DP World ILT20 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday night. MI Emirates will now meet Gulf Giants in Qualifier 2 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. Though Dubai Capitals posted a challenging 151 for 5 in 20 overs, MI Emirates raced to the target in 16.4 overs through Pooran’s unbeaten 66 off 36 balls with three boundaries and five sixes along with Andre Fletcher, who cracked 68 off 45 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Together they put on an unbeaten 104 runs partnership off just 61 balls for the third wicket. Dubai Capitals had posted a challenging 151 for 5 in 20 overs through George Munsey’s 51 off 43 balls with six boundaries and a six. Pooran and Fletcher, through their aggressive batting, squashed Dubai Capitals’ hopes and won the match with 20 balls to spare. Earlier, MI Emirates had won the toss and elected to bowl. Opening bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi found it hard to control and gave away 11 runs in the first over. Dubai Capitals opener Munsey picked the first boundary of the match through a square drive. Opener Robin Uthappa too got a boundary playing Trent Boult wide of first slip but fell to the last ball of that over. Boult forced Uthappa to play into the hands of Pooran at first slip for 6. Farooqi bowled a tight third over giving away just three runs. Boult bowled brilliantly and gave away only two runs in his fourth over and by the end of the powerplay, DC Capitals could muster only 28 runs. UAE medium pacer Zahoor Khan too bowled tight giving just ten runs from his two overs. Rashid Khan, who joined the team for this match, was introduced for the ninth over and he yielded six runs. By the halfway mark, Munsey and Sikandar Raza took the score to 59, and by the 11th over they had completed their 50 runs partnership. Munsey punished Farooqi for a boundary off the first ball of the 12th over and hit the second delivery for a six to deep forward square. Off the third delivery, he earned a boundary to mid-wicket and another one to cover two balls later.  Twenty-one runs came off that over. Rashid Khan was re-introduced for the 13th over and Munsey swept his third delivery for a boundary to reach his half-century in 42 balls. Khan struck with the fourth ball to trap Munsey leg before for 51. Munsey and Raza had put on 78 runs in 64 balls for the second wicket. Rovman Powell joined Raza and took the Dubai Capitals score past the 100-run mark in 14.4 overs. The last five overs began with Raza scooping Zahoor Khan for a boundary off the first ball of the 16th over and Powell hitting the third ball for a straight six. Raza picked another boundary off the last ball of that over. When hopes of a big total began to brighten up, wickets began to fall in successive overs. Boult forced Raza pull into the hands of Bravo for 38 in the 17th over. Skipper Yusuf Pathan lasted only five balls to score four runs before lifting Rashid Khan to Bravo at mid-off in the 18th over.  Bravo clean bowled Powell with a full toss for 30 in the 19th over. Dubai Capitals crossed the 150-mark in the last over. MI Emirates began their chase losing their consistent opener Mohammad Waseem to the third ball of the first over when he drove into the hands of Reece Topley at mid-off for 2. Undaunted by the setback, Lorcan Tucker and opener Andre Fletcher kept the scoreboard moving. The powerplay yielded 41 runs. Dasun Shanaka provided the breakthrough in the seventh over trapping Tucker leg before for 10. Nicholas Pooran, began in his usual aggressive style hitting Shanaka for two consecutive sixes. By the halfway mark MI Emirates strengthened their position with score reading 81 for 2 and needing another 71 runs. Pooran and Fletcher hit sixes off Raza’s 12th over to take the score past the 100-run mark. Fletcher reached his half-century in 33 balls while Pooran reached his 50 in 25 balls. When Ball was hit by Pooran for a six and a boundary off successive balls in the 13th over and also Ravi Bopara for a six each by both the batsmen in the next over MI Emirates raced to their big win.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Desert Vipers pulled off an exciting 12-run victory over Dubai Capitals in the 20th match of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday night to regain the top position in the points table. Though Desert Vipers could post only a moderate total of 149 for 9 through a captain’s knock of 40 off 32 balls with two boundaries and two sixes from Colin Munro, Dubai Capitals were restricted to 137 for 5 in 20 overs through a splendid and accurate bowling by Rohan Mustafa (2 for 27) backed well by Matheesha Pathirana and Tom Curran. For Dubai Capitals, Adam Zampa playing his first match, bowled brilliantly take three wickets for 16 to bag the Player of the match award. Dubai Capitals’ skipper Rovman Powell (34n.o) and Yusuf Pathan (35n.o) put on an unbeaten partnership of 52 runs in 6.3 overs, but their effort went in vain before the tight bowling. Dubai Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl. Desert Vipers’ opener and UAE’s Rohan Mustafa fell to the fifth ball of the first over from Jake Ball edging to wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa for 1. Skipper Colin Munro joined their prolific scoring opener Alex Hales. After scores of 83n.o, 64, 110, 99, 62n.o, Hales failed for the first time, charging out to Akif Raja and missing a good length delivery to be bowled for 12. Munro hit Fred Klaassen for a six and a boundary off successive deliveries. Sam Billings too picked a boundary to mid-wicket off Raja. Munro then hit Raja for his second six. Desert Vipers scored 68 runs during their powerplay. Munro went on to pick two more boundaries off Jake Ball’s sixth over, but after that they failed to maintain the momentum. With half the side back in the dug-out for 110 in 15 overs, Sherfane Rutherford and Tom Curran added 40 more runs in 32 balls for the sixth wicket before Ball had Rutherford brilliantly caught by a diving Shanaka at extra cover for 22. Curran fell to the first ball of the last over, caught by Rovman Powell at long off for 21.  Desert Vipers’ innings ended one run short of the 150 mark after Klaassen got Ali Nasar out caught by Shanaka for 1 to the fifth ball and Gus Atikinson getting run out to the last ball.  In the last five overs Desert Vipers scored only 39 runs and lost four wickets. Chasing a target of 150 runs, Dubai Capitals lost opener Robin Uthappa for 1 in the second over when Curran took a running catch at mid-on.  In the third over, opener Hazratullah Zazai too fell edging Sheldon Cottrell to wicketkeeper Billings for 6. UAE’s Chirag Suri and Shanaka took the score to 45 in 8.1 overs when Hasaranga had Shanaka brilliantly caught and bowled for 24. Suri scored 16 before lifting Rohan Mustafa to Hasaranga at deep mid-wicket. At the half way mark, Dubai Capitals were 53 for 4, needing another 97 runs to win. Sikandar Raza joined his skipper Powell. In the 13th over from Hasaranga, Powell hit a huge six to long-on and also cracked a boundary to take 14 runs off the over. Raza hit Mustafa’s first two deliveries of the 14th over for two consecutive sixes but perished to the third ball caught behind off his gloves to wicketkeeper Billings for 15. With 65 runs needed off 39 balls, Yusuf Pathan joined Powell and hit Matheesha Pathirana for a boundary and a huge six over long-off. He also cracked another boundary and a six off Curran over mid-off.  Pathirana bowled a tight 17th over giving away only three runs. Curran made it tougher giving away only seven runs in the 18th over. The Saturday crowd moved to the edge of their seats with 23 needed of the last 12 deliveries. Pathirana yielded only six runs in the 19th over making it 17 needed from the last over from Curran. He gave away only four runs and helped Vipers win by 12 runs. Powell’s unbeaten 34 came off 26 balls with one boundary and two sixes while Pathan’s unconquered 35 came off 26 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. Brief scores: Desert Vipers beat Dubai Capitals by 12 runs.  Desert Vipers 149 for 9 in 20 overs (Colin Munro 40, Sam Billings 25, Tom Curran 21, Sherfane Rutherford 22, Jake Ball 2 for 43, Fred Klaassen 2 for 35, Adam Zampa 3 for 16) Dubai Capitals 137 for 5 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 24, Rovman Powell 34n.o, Yusuf Pathan 35n.o, Rohan Mustafa 2 for 27) Player of Match ($1500): Adam Zampa DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Akif Raja to Alex Hales Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  Sikandar Raza six of 100 mts. Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500): Yusuf Pathan Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): Adam Zampa for scoring 89 fantasy points Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Medium pacer Naveen-ul-Haq’s deadly spell of 5 for 38 wrecked table-toppers Gulf Giants’ batting to help Sharjah Warriors record a stunning 21-runs victory in the 14th match of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday night. Naveen-ul-Haq was backed by Chris Woakes (2 for 11) and Junaid Siddiqui (2 for 18). They all bowled with clinical accuracy and bowled out Gulf Giants for 130 in 19.4 overs. Sharjah had posted only a moderate total of 151 for 7 in 20 overs. They came into this match defeating Dubai Capitals and thus recorded their second win while Gulf Giants’ four match winning streak came to an end. It was surprising that despite the heavy rains till one hour before the start, the match could commence on time. It was mainly due to Dubai International Stadium’s superb drainage system. The result of the match was even more surprising. For Sharjah Warriors Joe Denly top scored with 58 runs off 43 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Chris Jordan had bagged three wickets for 25 runs to restrict the run flow. Gulf Giants won the toss and elected to bowl. Sharjah opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz got out to the second ball of the third over, hitting David Wiese high to Chris Lynn at deep backward square for 8. Opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore, with scores of 55 and 106n.o from his last two matches, hit Wiese for a six over square leg and then hit two consecutive sixes off Sanchit Sharma in the fourth over. Richard Gleeson struck in the sixth over to take the prize wicket of Kohler-Cadmore for 36. Going for a pull he gloved the ball to wicketkeeper Tom Banton. His 20-ball knock had two fours and three sixes. Sharjah lost their third wicket at the score on 50 in 6.2 overs when one-drop Dawid Malan flicked Sharma to Shimron Hetmyer at deep backward square for 5. Skipper Moeen Ali and Joe Denly began the damage control. Chris Jordan bowled a tight eighth over giving away just four runs. Denly hit Rehman Ahmed for a six over the bowler’s head in the ninth over. Ali too hit a six off Wiese over long-on and by the half way mark, Sharjah were 78 for 3. In the 11th over, Ahmed removed Ali caught by Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket for 16. This squashed Sharjah’s chances of a big score. Mohammad Nabi joined Denly and the score reached the 100 run mark in 13 overs. In the 17th over Sharjah lost Nabi to Jordan for 20 after he had added 40 runs in 32 deliveries with Denly for the fifth wicket. Denly continued to hit freely and reached his half century in 37 balls. Jordan had Denly hit straight to Wiese at long off to the first ball of the last over for 58 and also had Chris Woakes caught and bowled for 4 to the fifth ball.  In the last five overs, Sharjah could score only 33 runs and posted 151 for 7. Chris Woakes gave Sharjah a brilliant start by having opener Rehan Ahmed on 4, slice to Denly at backward point to the fourth ball of the first over. Naveen inflicted another big blow on Gulf Giants by dismissing skipper James Vince caught at first slip by Kohler-Cadmore for 1. In the fourth over, UAE’s Junaid Siddiqui struck to have Tom Banton drive in the air to Nabi at mid-off for 5.  When Woakes struck again in the fifth over to have Afzal Khan edge to Kohler-Cadmore to take another catch at slip, Gulf Giants were tottering at 22 for 4 in 4.5 overs. Half the Gulf Giants batsmen were back in the dug-out for 26 when Siddiqui took the prize wicket of Hetmyer, caught behind, off an edge to his pad on its way to wicketkeeper Gurbaz for 2. The cream of Gulf Giants batting were wiped off in a flash. Naveen struck again to force Liam Dawson play into the hands of Kohler-Cadmore at backward point. At the half way mark, Gulf Giants were 46 for 6. Lynn and Wiese put on 41 runs for the seventh wicket before Noor Ahmed had Lynn on 20 caught at long-on by Woakes. Naveen picked his third wicket removing David Wiese caught by Woakes at long off for 35. Wiese had put on 27 runs with Chris Jordan for the eighth wicket and that was the last of the Gulf Giants resistance. Jordan delayed Sharjah’s victory through a fighting 37 runs before falling to Naveen. Brief scores: Sharjah Warriors beat Gulf Giants by 21 runs.  Sharjah Warriors 151 for 7 in 20 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 36, Joe Denly 58, Mohammad Nabi 20, Chris Jordan 3 for 25) Gulf Giants 130 in 19.4 overs (Chris Lynn 20, David Wiese 35, Chris Jordan 37, Chris Woakes 2 for 11, Naveen-ul-Haq 5 for 38, Junaid Siddiqui 2 for 18) Player of Match ($1500): Naveen-ul-Haq DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Junaid Siddiqui to Shimron Hetmyer Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  Joe Denly’s six of 90 mts. Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500): Joe Denly (four boundaries) Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): Chris Jordan Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan

Sports Bulletin Report Abu Dhabi (UAE): MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wickets to keep their winning run intact in the DP World International League T20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders put up a strong total of 170 for seven, riding on the brilliant innings of 65 runs from 40 balls by Dhananjaya de Silva. In reply, the MI Emirates were in a spot of bother when they needed 20 runs off the last over. However, Dwayne Bravo and Najibullah Zadran batted smartly and took their team over the line. The MI Emirates lost Mohammad Waseem early on in the innings for two runs off seven balls, but Andre Fletcher kept them in the game with three boundaries off Lahiru Kumara in the fourth over. Pooran and Fletcher put up a crucial stand of 55 runs and kept the MI Emirates’ chase on track until Pooran fell to Russell in the eleventh over for 20 runs off 13 balls. The MI Emirates’ chase was further derailed when Lahiru Kumara trapped Andre Fletcher LBW for 53 runs off 43 balls. Pollard smacked Akeal Hosein for two boundaries, but the MI Emirates were still behind in the game at 129 for four at the end of the seventeenth over. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders seemed to have sealed the deal when Pollard departed for 31 runs off 23 balls in the 19th over, however, Dwayne Bravo and Najibullah Zadran had other ideas. They struck Russell for three sixes and a four in the final to take their team to a thrilling victory. Trent Boult achieved an early wicket for the MI Emirates after he dismissed Kennar Lewis for a duck in the very first over. However, Dhananjaya de Silva set the tone for the Knight Riders as he smashed four boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the fourth over. But Dhananjaya kept losing partners at the other end with Brandon King falling to Zahoor Khan for six runs off 13 balls in the fifth over and Raymon Reifer run out in the eight over, leaving the Abu Dhabi side at 48 for three. Charith Asalanka provided much-needed support to Dhananjaya as he smashed two sixes off Imran Tahir in the eleventh over and a four off Kieron Pollard in the twelfth over. Just when it looked like the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' innings was going to take off at another level, Pollard got Asalanka caught out for 23 runs off 17 balls, bringing an end to a 45-run stand between Dhananjaya and Asalanka. Andre Russell came in and struck a six and a four off Zahoor Khan, but his stay at the crease was short-lived as Fazalhaq Farooqi sent him packing for 13 runs off eight balls. Dhananjaya kept going strong at the end, but he too was on his way back when he fell to Zahoor Khan for 65 runs off 40 balls. Thereafter, captain Sunil Narine played an important cameo of 28* off 18 balls, which included a six and a four off Zahoor Khan in the final over, to take his team to a competitive total of 170 for seven. Brief scores: MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wickets. MI Emirates 176 for five in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 53, Najibullah Zadran 35*, Lahiru Kumara two for 34) Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 170 for seven in 20 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 65, Sunil Narine 28*, Fazalhaq Farooqi two for 27) Player of Match ($1500): Najibullah Zadran DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Trent Boult Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  Najibullah Zadran Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500): Dhananjaya de Silva Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): Dhananjaya de Silva Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Sharjah Warrior beat Dubai Capitals by 7 wickets to record their first win in the ongoing ILT20, as Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls with 10 boundaries and six sixes sparking performance helped his team to break the jinx in the 10th match of the DP World ILT20 here at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. For Dubai Capitals, opener Joe Root cracked an unbeaten 80 off 54 balls with eight fours and one six backed by skipper Rovman Powell’s 44 off 27 balls with five boundaries and a six. Unfortunately, their effort went in vain before Kohler Cadmore’s fastest century of the tournament. Kohler Cadmore had also scored 55 in his last match against MI Emirates, but his effort went in vain as Sharjah lost that match by six wickets. On Saturday, it was Kohler-Cadmore's day after Sharjah Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl. Dubai opener Robin Uthappa fell to the fifth ball of the second over slashing a wide delivery from Naveen Ul Haq straight to Noor Ahmed at deep point for 3. UAE’s Chirag Suri too fell quickly pulling Chris Woakes to Noor Ahmed at backward square leg for 4. Daniel Lawrence joined opener Joe Root and began to lift the team out of their early blows. Root hit Naveen Ul Haq for two boundaries and a six in the fifth over. Dubai reached the 50-run mark in 6.2 overs. UAE’s left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah, playing his first match, bowled a tight seventh over giving away only six runs. Left-arm chinaman bowler Noor Ahmed too bowled tight giving away only five runs in the eighth over. Jawadallah’s ninth over too yielded only four runs. At the halfway mark, Dubai Capitals were 70 for 2 with Root scoring the majority of the runs. Lawrence hit Jawadullah for a six to deep mid-wicket and two boundaries in the 11th over to exhibit the first signs of aggression. Eighteen runs came off that over. Root reached his 50 in 35 balls. Naveen Ul Haq struck in the 13th over to have Lawrence caught at long-on by Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 34. Lawrence and Root had added 82 runs in 59 balls for the third wicket. Root continued to strike brilliantly, and together with his skipper Rovman Powell, they pulled up the score to a healthy 122 for 3 in 15 overs. Powell, aided by some poor fielding, he escaped being caught, and saw his team go past the 150 mark in 17.5 over. However, he fell to the fifth ball of the last over, caught and bowled by Woakes 44. He added 74 runs in 45 balls for the fourth wicket. Yusuf Pathan hit the last ball for a mighty six to deep fine leg to ensure a total of 177 for 4 in 20 overs. Joe Root remained unconquered on 80. Chasing a run rate of 8.85 needed a good start. Sharjah Warriors got off to a breezy start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Kohler-Cadmore hitting a boundary and a six respectively off Mujeeb Ur Rehman’s second over. Kohler-Cadmore hit Isuru Udana for three consecutive boundaries in the third over. UAE’s Akif Raja ended the 47 runs partnership posted in 3.3 overs by removing Gurbaz when Udana took a tumbling catch at short fine leg for 18. One-drop Dawid Malan began by hitting Raja for two consecutive boundaries. Kohler-Camdore hit Mujeeb for four boundaries and two sixes in the sixth over to take 29 runs off the over. Scoring 95 runs in the powerplay lifted Sharjah’s hopes.  Though Chamika Karunaratne forced Malan to play on to his wicket for 9, Sharjah needed to score a run-a-ball 83 to win the match. Moeen Ali joined Kohler-Cadmore and the score went past the 100-run mark in seven overs. Powell bowled a tight eighth over giving away only seven runs. Akif Raja struck again to have Moeen out to a tumbling catch by substitute Fabian Allen at deep square leg for 15. Joe Denly joined Kohler-Cadmore and Sharjah reached the 150 mark in 12 overs. Kohler –Cadmore reached his century in 46 balls and Sharjah won the match with 32 balls to spare. Joe Denly remained unbeaten on 29. Brief scores: Sharjah Warrior beat Dubai Capitals by 7 wickets. Dubai Capitals 177 for 4 in 20 overs (Joe Root 80n.o, Dan Lawrence 34, Rovman Powell 44, Chris Woakes 2 for 35, Naveen Ul Haq 2 for 41) Sharjah Warriors 182 for 3 in 14.4 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 106, Joe Denly 29n.o, Akif Raja 2 for 34) Player of Match ($1500): Tom Kohler Cadmore DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Akif Raja to Moeen Ali Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s six of 92 mts Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500): Tom Kohler-Cadmore (10 boundaries) Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): Tom Kohler-Cadmore Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan Sunday’s Fixtures: Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – 2 pm at Dubai International Stadium MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals – 6 pm at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Sports Bulletin Report Abu Dhabi (UAE): Desert Vipers’ Alex Hales lit up the Zayed Cricket Stadium through a whirlwind knock of 110 runs off just 59 balls studded with seven boundaries and six sixes in the ninth match of the DP World International League T20 tournament at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday night. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' poor batting show in this tournament continued as they got bowled out for 108 in 15.1 overs.  Sheldon Cottrell led the destruction with a spell of 3 for 14 backed by Wanindu Hasaranga and Benny Howell with two wickets each. Desert Vipers recorded their third consecutive victory while Abu Dhabi crashed to their fourth successive defeat. Abu Dhabi had won the toss and put Desert Vipers in to bat.  UAE’s Rohan Mustafa, who opened with prolific scorer Alex Hales, lifted the first ball of the innings from Andre Russell to the long-on boundary. He then pulled Russell for another boundary off the fourth ball. He went for another big shot off the next ball too and landed up hitting high into the hands of Charith Asalanka at extra cover for 8. Skipper Colin Munro, who hasn’t been among the runs in this tournament, began cautiously while Hales launched his first six by lifting Akeal Hosein over mid-off. Munro began to open up slowly, and in the fourth over he got two consecutive boundaries off Lahiru Kumara. Hales then hit Matiuallah Khan for two consecutive boundaries and a six to take 18 runs off that over. Desert Vipers raced to 54 for 1 in the first five overs. Kumara bowled a tight sixth over forcing Munro and Hales to struggle for runs giving away just seven runs in the over. Hosein bowled a tighter seventh over yielding only three runs. Skipper Sunil Narine who introduced himself for the eight over also gave away only five runs, thus dipping the run rate.  Desert Vipers posted 84 for 1 at the half way mark. After that, Hales, who has scored 83n.o and 64 from the last two matches, accelerated the run flow and reached his half century in 30 balls, and Desert Vipers went past the 100-run mark in 11. 2 overs. Hales hit Dhananjaya de Silva for a six and a boundary off successive balls, and he further hit two consecutive sixes off Hosein to long-on and mid-wicket. Hales moved to his 90’s in the 15th over and the score went past the 150 run mark too. The 16th over from Narine saw Hales and Munro record their 150 runs partnership and also Hales reach his century in 52 balls. Munro too reached his half century in 39 balls off a six to deep mid-wicket. Kumara broke the 164 runs partnership by having Munro caught at deep mid-wicket by Hosein for 56. Desert Vipers reached the 200 run mark in 18.2 overs through a Sherfane Rutherford boundary. Kumara struck again to remove Rutherford caught by De Silva at long-on for 23. Hales got run out off the last ball of the innings after taking Desert Vipers to a huge score while Tom Curran remained unbeaten on 16. Brief scores: Desert Vipers bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 111 runs. Desert Vipers 219 for 4 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 110, Colin Munro 56, Sherfane Rutherford 23, Lahiru Kumara 2 for 31) Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 108 in 15.1 overs ( Andre Russell 57, Sheldon Cottrell 3 for 14, Wanindu Hasaranga 2 for 21, Benny Howell 2 for 6) Player of Match ($1500): Alex Hales DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Sheldon Cottrell to Brandon King Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  Alex Hales’ six of 98 mts. Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500):  Alex Hales (seven boundaries) Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): Alex Hales for scoring 154 fantasy points Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan

Sports Bulletin Report Sharjah (UAE): Gulf Giants recorded a gigantic 101-run victory over Dubai Capitals in the eighth match of the DP World International League T20 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday night. Gulf Giants posted an impressive 181 for 6, riding on their heavy scoring skipper James Vince’s 76 off 48 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. David Wiese (3 for 3) and Chris Jordan (3 for 12) backed by Richard Gleeson (2 for 14) bowled out Dubai Capitals for a paltry 80 runs in 14.3 over for a massive 101 runs victory. Gulf Giants thus recorded their third consecutive victory while Dubai Capitals faced their second defeat in three matches. Dubai Capitals had won the toss and elected to field. The consistent Gulf Giants’ captain Vince opened the innings with 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed. Vince has scores of 65, 83n.o and 76 from his last three matches. In the second over, Rehan hit Fabian Allen for three consecutive boundaries. Isuru Udana forced Rehan to drive into the hands of Rovman Powell at mid-off for 12 in the third over. This brought in Chris Lynn, who had arrived just after playing in the Big Bash League for his first match here. Vince hit Mujeeb Ur Rehman for two consecutive boundaries in the fourth over and Gulf Giants reached the 50-run mark in 6.3 overs. Vince smashed Allen for sixes to mid-wicket and long-on and also scored a boundary to take 20 runs off the 10th over. At the half way mark, Gulf Giants were 83 for 1. Vince raced to his third consecutive half century in 33 deliveries. He hit two more sixes off Mujeeb Ur Rehman. Lynn, who chipped in with a run-a-ball 25, fell to the last ball of the 12th over to Mujeeb lifting to Dasun Shanaka at long-off after posting a partnership of 82 runs in 54 balls for the second wicket. Gerhard Erasmus lasted only five balls to score three runs before lofting Powell to Udana at deep cover. UAE’s Akif Raja ended Vince’s superb knock by having him caught at long-on by Root. With the very next ball, he clean bowled David Wiese. From 122 for 5 in 15 overs, Shimron Hetmyer and Liam Dawson accelerated the run flow. Hetmyer hit Udana for two consecutive sixes in the 18th over to take 17 runs off the over and the score went past the 150-run mark. The pair put on 54 runs in 4.5 over before Dawson got caught and bowled by Udana for 18. Chris Jordan hit the last ball from Udana to mid-wicket for a six to post a total of 181 for 6 in 20 overs. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 37 off 19 balls with two boundaries and three sixes. The last five overs yielded 59 runs. Dubai Capitals got off to a shocking start losing their consistent opener Robin Uthappa to the last ball of the first over. He edged Richard Gleeson to wicketkeeper Ashwanth Valthapa for 1. UAE’s Chirag Suri joined opener Joe Root, who brilliantly scooped Gleeson for a boundary. Suri too produced an elegant straight drive off Sanchit Sharma but Wiese trapped him leg before in the fifth over for 6. Wiese also took the valuable wicket of Powell, brilliantly caught and bowled for a duck. At the end of the fifth over, Dubai Capitals were 31 for 3. To make matters worse, Root while going for a sweep, missed the shot and got bowled by Rehan Ahmed for 20. Yusuf Pathan joined Shanaka but scored just three runs before pushing Wiese into the hands of Dawson in the covers. When Gulf Giants had half of Dubai Capitals back in the dug-out for 44 runs, they took a firm grip on the match. Needing 136 runs for the last ten overs, Shanaka hit Rehan for three boundaries in the 11th over but fell to the first delivery of the 12th over from Sanchit Sharma, caught by Jordan at long-on for 23. Then wickets continued to fall in every over with Jordan removing Allen for 4, Gleeson dismissing Udana for 7, and Jordan once again striking to clean bowl Karunaratne for 4 and last man Akif Raja for a duck. Brief scores Gulf Giants beat Dubai Capitals by 101 runs. Gulf Giants 181 for 6 in 20 overs (James Vince 76, Chris Lynn 25, Isuru Udana 2 for 41, Akif Raja 2 for 23) Dubai Capitals 80 in 14.3 overs (Joe Root 20, Dasun Shanaka 23, Richard Glesson 2 for 14, David Wiese 3 for 3, Chris Jordan 3 for 12). Player of Match ($1500): James Vince DP World Smart delivery of the day ($1500): Chris Jordan to Fabian Allen Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($ 1500):  James Vince’s six of 88 mts Skytech.Net Super 4s of the match ($1500): James Vince (four boundaries) Sportsbuzz Buzzmaker of the match ($1500): James Vince for scoring 120 fantasy points

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The Desert Vipers spin department has received a huge boost with the arrival of the world’s leading men’s Twenty20 International bowler Wanindu Hasaranga, as the Sri Lankan leg-spinning all-rounder arrived in Dubai on Monday. Question:  Wanindu you are getting ready for your first match for the Desert Vipers, so how does it feel to be here finally? Wanindu Hasaranga: “I missed the first game, but the boys played really well. I am really excited to play with the team in the next match.” Question:  Wanindu, you have had a lot of experience playing here in the UAE, you know these conditions well? Wanindu Hasaranga: “Yes. I was the highest wicket-taker in the 2021 T20 World Cup here, and I also did well in the Asia Cup (last year) so I know how to bowl and bat in these conditions and that will help me to do my best for the team.” Question:  You are the number one bowler in T20Is for men. Does that put more pressure on you, to perform well, or do you enjoy having that mantle? Wanindu Hasaranga: “I love playing cricket in every situation, and especially as the number one T20I bowler. I love to play and perform under pressure, and when I play every game, I try to do my best for the team.” Question:  Are you ready to go? Wanindu Hasaranga: “Yes.” Here are some excerpts from the interview with Tom Moody. Question:  Leading in to game two, have things gone as you had hoped? Tom Moody: “It is always nice to start with a win, even though that does not define your whole tournament. But from a team point of view, it gives the team confidence, particularly in a few passages of play when you find yourself under pressure. Like we lost two early wickets (in the first match versus Sharjah Warriors), but we managed to get re-established in the innings and had a very good partnership between Alex Hales and Sam Billings to secure the win. So just things within the game are important and those wins are important. It allows the team to settle in and feel comfortable that we have got one on the board. Question:  Now Wanindu Hasaranga has arrived, he seems pleased to be here, he is the number one men’s T20I bowler in the world, so where does he fit in to the squad? Tom Moody: “Let’s put it this way, he is in (the playing eleven for the second match versus Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Wednesday). It is just a case of getting the balance right. The Captain, Head Coach and I will have those discussions on trying to find the best balance against the opposition. It is going to be a difficult call on a player or two, but at the end of the day it is a long tournament, and everyone is going to play an important role. He (Wanindu Hasaranga) is great for us, because clearly he is a world-class bowler, and it is great to have him here fit and raring to go.” Question:  Hasaranga comes off the back of a Twenty20 International and One-Day International tour to India. Any concerns about his workload? Tom Moody: “We have talked that through with him. We have got an understanding of where he is at with regards to his workload and what he has been doing with Sri Lanka both on and off the field. So we will make sure we transition that as smoothly as possible. We are aware that he played plenty of cricket over the last month or so, so we will be mindful of making sure he is not overdoing it at training, and he is fresh for every single game.” Question:  It is great because he offers so much value with the ball and the bat. Tom Moody: “Yes, (he offers a lot with the bat and ball) and also in the field – he is a good fielder as well as being a world-class bowler and an impact batter. He just adds depth to that middle order, with the bat for us. He is a boundary hitter and an instinctive batter, which is exactly what you want in that middle phase. “From a bowling perspective he can bowl in any of the three phases. He gives Colin, the captain, a great opportunity to use him where he sees best against the opposition, depending on what situation the game is in.” Question: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders next, they have started poorly with a couple of losses, thus far. What have you made of what they have done so far in the tournament and what can you take into the back-to-back matches the Desert Vipers will play against them? Tom Moody: “At the end of the day, their (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) early form is not really related to our preparation. That is out of our control. We just need to look to get better in all three departments. That has got to be our focus. “They have got some world-class players, like Andre Russell who can singlehandedly win a game for them, so we can’t at all take our eye off being our best version when we play against them. They have had some setbacks, and they’ll be hungry, and they will come hard.”