Image courtesy: X(Emirates cricket)
In a match that epitomized the drama and excitement of T20 cricket, the UAE edged past Kuwait by just two runs to claim their maiden ILT20 Gulf Cricket Championship title. The final, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was a spectacle of high-quality cricket, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball.
UAE’s Innings: Steady Start and Timely Contributions
Opting to bat first, UAE posted a modest total of 153, thanks to crucial contributions from the middle order. The innings began slowly as openers Muhammad Waseem and Tanish Suri struggled to build momentum. Waseem departed early for just 1, putting pressure on the rest of the lineup. However, Alishan Sharafu injected life into the innings with a quickfire 28 off 17 balls, smashing three boundaries and two sixes.
Tanish Suri anchored the innings with a measured 34 off 32 balls, while Rahul Chopra added a valuable 28 off 17 deliveries. Despite their efforts, Kuwait’s bowlers maintained control, with Yasin Patel and Sayed Monib taking three wickets each. Meet Bhavsar’s economical spell of 2/16 further restricted UAE from posting a bigger total.
Kuwait’s Chase: Bhavsar Shines Amidst Collapse
Kuwait’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing two quick wickets in the opening overs to UAE’s Junaid Siddique (1/42) and Dhruv Parashar (1/26). Meet Bhavsar emerged as the lone warrior, stabilizing the innings with a heroic 72 off 54 balls, decorated with six boundaries and three sixes. Bhavsar’s efforts kept Kuwait’s hopes alive despite losing partners at regular intervals.
Yasin Patel chipped in with a vital unbeaten 15 off 8 balls, including some lusty blows in the penultimate over, which brought Kuwait within touching distance of the target. With eight runs needed off the final over, the game reached its crescendo.
The Final Over: Jawadullah Holds His Nerve
Muhammad Jawadullah’s final over was a masterclass in composure under pressure. A wide ball and a boundary from Bhavsar raised Kuwait’s hopes. However, Jawadullah struck back immediately, deceiving Bhavsar with a slower delivery that resulted in an easy catch for Nilansh Keswani.
With three runs required off four balls, Jawadullah bowled Mohamed Shafeeq off his first delivery, effectively sealing the match. He finished with figures of 2/28, emerging as the hero of the nerve-wracking final moments.
Key Performances
- UAE: Alishan Sharafu’s brisk 28, Tanish Suri’s steady 34, and Jawadullah’s clutch bowling in the final over were pivotal to UAE’s victory.
- Kuwait: Meet Bhavsar’s valiant 72 earned him widespread acclaim, but his dismissal in the final over proved costly. Yasin Patel’s all-round effort (3 wickets and 15 not out) also stood out.
A Historic Victory for UAE
This win marks UAE’s growing prominence in Gulf cricket, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure and perform on the big stage. The tournament featured thrilling encounters and underscored the rising standards of cricket in the region.
