The stage is set for an exhilarating and intense battle in the ILT20 season 2 play-offs between the teams that clinched the top four slots. The league stage matches were so fiercely fought that the final four could not be ascertained until the last league match held in Sharjah on Sunday
The architects of the Giants' win were their skipper James Vince who showed the way through his 59 runs off 41 balls with seven boundaries and a six, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith's quick unbeaten 43 off 26 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Together they helped the Giants post a fight
Gulf Giants, through an exhibition of superb teamwork and resilience, fought tooth and nail to defend a meagre total of 126 for 9 in 20 overs and pull off a 19-run win over Dubai Capitals in the 24th match of the ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium
UAE pacer Sanchit Sharma was a key player for Gulf Giants, who went on to win the inaugural edition of the International League T20 in 2022, under the coaching of Zimbabwean legend Andy Flower. He took seven wickets in nine matches and was integral to the side during the run into the trophy
With a perfect blend of experience and youth, the Gulf Giants are geared up to dominate the league and defend their ILT20 championship. They have announced Andy Flower as the team's Head Coach for the upcoming season, which will be led by England batter James Vince
Apart from Root and Hetmyer, Sunil Narine, Alex Hales, James Vince, Trent Boult, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Chris Jordan, Dwayne Bravo, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chris Woakes are the players retained for this season.
International T20 stars Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), James Vince (Gulf Giants), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates), Wanindu Hasaranga (Desert Vipers), Chris Woakes (Sharjah Warriors), Sikandar Raza (Dubai Capitals) and UAE capt