Gulf Giants demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with as they overcame a 157-run target set by Sharjah Warriorz, securing a six-wicket victory. This win marked a return to form after their heartbreak in a Super Over loss in their previous fixture. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s impressive 50, coupled with Aayan Khan’s incisive bowling spell of 3-17, proved decisive.
Sharjah Warriorz started aggressively with Johnson Charles hitting boundaries in the opening overs, supported by Kusal Mendis’ powerful strokes. However, early breakthroughs by Mark Adair and Aayan Khan destabilised the innings. Charles’ dismissal in Aayan’s next over swung the momentum towards the Giants. By the 10th over, the Warriors were 69 for 3.
Tight bowling from Dawson and Khan restricted the Warriors’ scoring, though Dwaine Pretorius played a crucial late cameo, hitting 36 from 17 balls. His assault in the death overs pushed Sharjah to a competitive 157 for 6.
The Giants’ chase began emphatically despite missing Pathum Nissanka. James Vince and Gurbaz opened with authority, racing to 50 inside five overs. Middle-order wickets briefly slowed the run rate, but Gurbaz’s 50 and Omarzai’s late hitting ensured the target remained in reach. With the equation reduced to nine off six balls in the penultimate over, the Warriors’ fightback ended. Sean Dickson struck the winning runs to seal the Giants’ victory, highlighting their balanced attack of spin and aggressive batting.
Brief Scores: Sharjah Warriorz 157/6 (Dwaine Pretorius 36*, Johnson Charles 36; Aayan Khan 3-17, Mark Adair 2-22) lost to Gulf Giants 158/4 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, James Vince 35; Sikandar Raza 2-20, Adil Rashid 1-21) by 6 wickets.