DV VS GG FINAL

James Vince has been handed the inaugural ILT20 trophy and joins the whole team on the stage to break out in wild celebrations. They will pose for the cameras and savor this moment as they have played a remarkable tournament. We have witnessed an outstanding game of cricket and this whole season of the ILT20 has been fantastic. The cricketing action continues around the world so do keep checking for our coverage and enjoy this beautiful game of cricket. From here, it is goodbye and cheers!

James Vince the victorious captain of the Gulf Giants says that it is a great feeling but credits the Desert Vipers for having an amazing season and says that the two best teams competed in the final, but unfortunately there could only be one winner and there is not much between them. Adds that taking some big wickets up front set the tone for the game. Mentions that getting anything around 140, they were confident of casing it, but it was a sticky start, and credits Chris Lynn for his batting effort and also Shimron Hetmyer for finishing things off with him. Tells that they have some really good experienced players mixed with youth which helped them. Ends by saying that being a skipper is a good feeling and everyone wants to lift trophies.

Colin Munro the captain of Desert Vipers says that they lost the game in the first 7-8 overs as Colin de Grandhomme bowled well. Claims that the conditions were difficult at the start but didn’t adapt to conditions. Adds that he does not want to take anything away from the Gulf Giants who outplayed them as they have been the in-form team and full credit goes to them for winning the game. Mentions that even though they are a new franchise, there were a lot of red shirts in the crowd and the management has done well to get so many people to back them. Admits that it feels good to have the playing group back him as skipper and they back each other. Shares that it is not good being on the losing side but they have had a good time so it is not all bad. Goes on to say that he has really enjoyed himself but has had to be switched on through the game but he has always been more of a drifter.  Reckons that since he is reaching the end of his career, he is glad he can give something back and wants to come back. Ends by saying that his family really enjoyed being there and he has felt part of this group giving credit to the owners and the staff. Says well done to the opponents and adds that they played well tonight.

Chris Jordan is the BEST BOWLER OF THE SEASON and the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. He says that the belts are a bit heavy but he is happy to be in this position. Adds that it was nice being part of this team and a nice feeling to lift the trophy. Tells that he mainly focused on taking wickets in this tournament. Mentions that the team environment was very good and credits Andy Flower for being a great coach for them and says that the balance between work and staying focused and also rest was important. Says that the belts are a bit different and they had some banter about it in the dressing room and also says that James Vince is a bit unlucky to miss out one becoming the highest scorer in the competition.

Carlos Brathwaite is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for match figures of (4-0-19-3) and also getting a run-out. He says that he is chuffed that he got to come here to play which resulted in him winning a trophy and offers thanks to the staff for the opportunity. Adds that the team played really well and he really enjoyed the game tonight. When asked about the run-out he says that they needed to be calm in that situation and Qais Ahmad remained calm to help him affect the run-out. Claims that there is ample quality on the bench and they made two or three changes throughout the competition. Mentions that having so many international players who are able to show up that it is great for the side.

Time for the presentations...

Gerhard Erasmus is along with Chris Jordan and calls him an absolute champion. Adds that he has contributed well and helped the youngsters a lot. Mentions that he would have liked to finish it off, but is happy that he could score crucial runs in the final. Tells that Andy Flower is a great coach and has supported the team with his experience throughout the tournament.

Chris Jordan says that it is a great feeling and thanks the fans who showed up in great numbers. Adds that Carlos Brathwaite has been brilliant for them and says this was a team performance. Mentions that it is good to be part of history and they will be celebrating this win.

Qais Ahmad will be interviewed now. He thanks God and says he is grateful that they won the finals and he performed well. He speaks in his local language and thanks his local fans. Mentions that the finals are tough and they needed to work hard. Claims that the team management told him that he was the main spinner and that if he performs well they will win. Ends by saying that they will take the trophy first and then they will celebrate.

Sanchit Sharma has a few words to share. He says that they lost Qualifier 1 and they wanted to beat the opponents convincingly in the finals. Adds that he is glad they could register a comfortable win to clinch the trophy.

Shimron Hetmyer is up for a chat. He says it is a good feeling to start the year with a trophy. Adds that all their hard work paid off and credits the whole team. Mentions that he backed himself in the end and is happy that things worked out in their favor. He is joined by Carlos Brathwaite who lifts him and takes him away but they are called back. He says that the most pleasing thing for him is that he had told Shimron Hetmyer that he needs to win trophies and prove himself so he is glad that he was there in the end to bring the team this trophy.

Sheldon Cottrell and Gus Atkinson bowled a few tight overs to begin and their discipline helped Luke Wood get a breakthrough in his first over. Tom Curran claimed a wicket on his very first ball and they bowled several tight overs without much success thereafter. Wanindu Hasaranga did manage to the reak the partnership but it was all too easy for the chasing side as there was an onslaught of boundaries towards the end. They had put up a really under-par score in the first inning with Wanindu Hasaranga getting a half-century and putting up a 72-run partnership in 37 balls with Sam Billings but none of the other batters could contribute. Carlos Brathwaite was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 19 in his four overs. Qais Ahmad took two wickets with Colin de Grandhomme and Chris Jordan chipping in with one each.

The openers for Gulf Giants got off to a watchful start with James Vince hitting a couple of good shots to not allow the pressure to build. He was dismissed after getting off to a start and Colin de Grandhomme saw his stumps dismantled two balls later. Chris Lynn and Gerhard Erasmus began rebuilding the innings with a 73-run partnership in 62 deliveries but the latter was dismissed on 30 of 33 balls as he looked to accelerate. The game has been about Chris Lynn who batted through the inning to help his team grab hold of the trophy as he scored 72 in 50 balls and was well supported by Shimron Hetmyer who hit a quickfire 25 in 13 balls. They planned this run chase to perfection and executed it like deserved champions.

Gulf Giants are CHAMPIONS of the inaugural International League T20 and the display of fireworks can do only so much to drown the celebrations out in the middle! The players have run onto the field and these are absolutely wonderful scenes as the crowd goes berserk. This has been a comfortable win in the end for the group stage table-toppers as they trounce over the finish line with seven wickets in hand and 8 balls to spare. Desert Vipers had an outstanding competition even winning Qualifier 1 but fell at the final hurdle when it mattered most and will have the runners-up medal.

FOUR! Chris Lynn finishes things off in style! Sheldon Cottrell bowls this on a hard length and on middle, Chris Lynn clears his front leg and hammers it between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. GULF GIANTS WIN BY 7 WICKETS & BECOMES THE INAUGRAL CHAMPIONS OF ILT20!

Another short delivery, on middle, Shimron Hetmyer pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Short again and on middle, Chris Lynn slaps it down the ground where Shimron Hetmyer does well to move out of the way as the ball goes towards long on. They cross.

EDGED AND FOUR! Sheldon Cottrell bangs this short and on middle, Chris Lynn goes for the pull, but gets a top edge as the ball races over the fine leg fence for a boundary. Gulf Giants one hit away from becoming champions.