News
Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi and Azam Khan help Desert Vipers conquer Gulf Giants
Published
8 months agoon
By
Sudhashree![](https://headline.ae/wp-content/uploads/Wanindu-Hasaranga.jpg)
Shaheen Afridi’s deadly spell of three wickets for 22 runs and breezy knocks from Wanindu Hasaranga and Azam Khan guided Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over defending champions Gulf Giants in the seventh match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. The clash of the finalists of the first edition saw Afridi’s spell restrict Giants to 160 for 6 in 20 overs.
Vipers won the match with eight balls to spare through Hasaranga’s 42 off just 19 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. He had put on 57 runs in 33 deliveries for the third wicket with Adam Hose. Afzal Khan then hit a breezy unbeaten 26 off 14 balls with three boundaries and a six. He too added 41 runs in 19 balls for the fourth wicket with Hose, who hit a sedate 39 runs off 35 balls with four boundaries. Vipers who were at the bottom of the table have now jumped to the fourth place.
For the Giants, Chris Lynn top scored with 63 runs off 42 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. He put on 89 runs off 59 balls for the third wicket with Jordan Cox before Afridi put the brakes on the run flow. Cox hit 32 off 29 balls with a boundary and a six.
Vipers won the toss and chose to bowl. In the opening over, Pakistan T20 skipper Afridi, making his tournament debut, conceded a boundary to Jamie Smith over mid-off off the fifth ball. Mohammad Amir took a wicket in the second over, dismissing skipper James Vince for 1 as he lifted the ball to Colin Munro at mid-on. Afridi also claimed a wicket in the third over, clean bowling Smith for 5 after a missed big hit.
Lynn wiped away the impact of two early wickets by scoring two boundaries and a six off Tymal Mills. Cox played second fiddle as Lynn went for the big hits. Lynn reached his half-century in 35 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. When the Giants were four runs short of the 100-run mark, Mills made Lynn miscue his shot, and wicketkeeper Azam Khan caught the skier for 63.
Shimron Hetmyer, who joined Cox, got out caught behind for 10 off Hasaranga. After that, Afridi picked his second wicket, forcing Cox to hit to Alex Hales at long-on for 32. Chris Jordan became Afridi’s third victim, falling identically for 14. Usman Khan hit an unbeaten 16 to ensure his team a challenging total.
Needing 161 to win, Vipers lost an early wicket when Richard Gleeson, who came in as Super Sub in place of Lynn, got Colin Munro out caught at third man for 6. Hales on 11 escaped being stumped off a Mujeeb Ur Rehman slider but fell in the seventh over to Dominic Drakes to a spectacular catch by Aayan Khan at the fine leg boundary for 21.
Hasaranga who joined Adam Hose hit Aayan Khan for two consecutive boundaries and also Jordan for a six and a boundary off successive balls. At the half way mark, Vipers needed 85 runs to win. Drakes picked the valuable wicket of Hasaranga in the 13th over by getting him caught by Usman Khan at long-off for 42.
Azam Khan unleased his hard-hitting skills and whacked Jordan for a six to mid-wicket followed by three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani in the 15th over. This reduced the target to a gettable 32 runs from the last five overs. Hose got out to Gleeson, caught behind for 39 but Sherfane Rutherford and Khan steered their team to the target.
Vipers skipper Colin Munro hailed Hasaranga and Afridi; “It was a team effort, winning the toss was a big favour. Hasaranga was just brilliant, what a player. When you come up against Gulf Giants, we need to have our plans in place. We have all the analysts in T20 cricket, but what’s most important is adapt to what is in front of you. Afridi was outstanding and has so much experience, he knows his skill and executes them really well.”
Giants skipper Vince lauded Hasaranga’s knock. “We started well with the ball, put the pressure on them, but the way Hasaranga came out and batted took the game away from us. We need to tidy up in all facets on the game. We can’t afford to have lull periods because quality opposition will make you pay.”
Player of the match Hasaranga said: “I bat at number 7 generally, but today I had a chance up the order so I tried to go on the attack. I like to have that all-rounder tag in front of my name, so happy to perform with the bat as well.”
You may like
News
Milestone Systems Brings Next-Gen Video Innovations to Dubai at XPerience Days 2024
Published
2 days agoon
September 5, 2024By
SudhashreeMilestone Systems is bringing its global flagship event, Milestone XPerience Days (MXD), back to the Middle East, highlighting the latest advancements in video technology. The event will be held on September 9-10, 2024, at Mina A’Salam Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, featuring innovations aimed at enhancing both physical and cyber security.
With 17 technology partners showcasing seamlessly integrated solutions powered by Milestone prodigies; the event is a curated opportunity for industry peers to connect over trends, innovations, and challenges. Resellers, distributors, architects & engineers (A&Es), and end customers are set to gain valuable insights from industry experts and thought leaders sharing perspectives on the future of video technology.
According to market research company Omdia, the global video management software (VMS) and Video-Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) market is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2028, driven by increasing concerns over public security and the integration of AI and IoT in urban environments. Milestone Systems, a leader in this space, continues to push the boundaries of video technology with a focus on scalability, operational efficiency, and security.
“Our goal is to strengthen our partnerships with our resellers, distributors, and technology partners to provide state of the art video technology to our end users,” said Louise Bou Rached, Sales Director, MENAT, Milestone systems. “This event is about showcasing the wide range of possibilities with video management software, video analytics, and cloud solutions as well as demonstrating how Milestone’s expertise can enhance security and optimize operations.”
With dedicated R&D focussed on innovation, Milestone drives technological advancements to redefine perceptions of how possible with video technology. Its collaboration with industry tech leaders like Intel and Nvidia allows access to the latest AI developments, improving operational efficiency and security. The cloud-hosted Milestone prodigies have also been revamped for greater scalability to optimize allocations. All the products and technology partners will be present at the Milestone XPerience Days underscoring the commitment to leveraging video technology that drives efficiency and productivity across various industries.
Announcements
UAE sends 90 metric tons of urgent relief supplies to Sudan
Published
5 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeOn the directions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Humanitarian (DXB-H) has facilitated urgent relief supplies to Chad’s capital, Ndjamena, to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
In a swift response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, a Boeing 747 cargo flight departed from Al Maktoum International Airport on Saturday, August 31, at 9:00 am carrying 90 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and relief items provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These critical resources are expected to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
Announcements
Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
1 week agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.