David Wiese led Gulf Giants to victory over Sharjah Warriors in the DP World International League T20. Wiese took three wickets in one over, securing the win and earning the title of leading bowler in the competition. Despite the injury of teammate Dominic Drakes, the Giants remained focused and quickly ran through the Warriors lineup, leaving them with a score of 107 all out in 18.5 overs.
Colin de Grandhomme, playing his first game after returning from Australia’s Big Bash League, contributed 35 runs to the chase. Aayan Afzal Khan, a 17-year-old prodigy, sealed the victory with a six in the 17th over.
Gulf Giants will now face Desert Vipers in the qualifier playoff in Dubai on Wednesday. The winner will advance straight to the final on Sunday, while the loser will have a chance to progress and face the winner of Thursday’s first eliminator playoff between MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals on Friday.
Wiese is no stranger to success in Sharjah, having won a Pakistan Super League match for Lahore Qalandars with a last-ball six at the stadium and being named player of the match in Namibia’s victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Despite the loss, the Warriors had a chance to advance with a win against Gulf Giants, but were rarely in the game from the moment Moeen Ali lost the toss and was invited to bat first. Tom Kohler-Cadmore made a rapid start for the Warriors, but after he was dismissed by James Vince, the home team subsided. Despite the concern for Drakes, who was taken to the hospital after smashing his face on the ground, the Giants were able to secure the win.
