ILT20: UAE spinner Aayan dazzles as Giants beat Warriorz. There was also no chance for Gulf Giants’ Aayan Afzal Khan, a young spinner who has no fears over bowling with the new ball, to open up against Sharjah Warriorz on Wednesday.
But the 20-year-old landed critical blows to allow the Giants back in after the Warriorz had put themselves in a strong position.
The UAE left-arm spinner had figures of 4-0-17-3, to set the platform for Giants’ six-wicket win in the ILT20 at Dubai International Stadium.
Aayan’s inspired spell on a ground where he had calligraphed a memorable win for UAE that Todd Astle-led New Zealand they then slept in 2023 helped the Giants limit the Warriorz to 157 for six.
Ironically, however, New Zealand ace Southee was at the receiving end of Aayan’s superlative effort once more as his Warriorz fell to their third consecutive defeat in Season Four of the ILT20.
Aayan bowled with superb control to remove Johnson Charles (36), Kusal Mendis (23) and Tim David (19) — all dangerous T20 unit – as he earned the man-of-the-match award.
“It was a turning wicket, and I’m happy to get a few wickets,” Aayan said.
“Bowling four overs, I felt really nice. I had a few games, that I hadn’t bowled, and so it was good to get the ball again.” This was a good match for me, and I am happy to be here holding this trophy.”
Aayan’s magic made Giants’ chase of 158 a stroll in the park as they finished at their destination in under 19.4 overs after losing only fours wickets.
Flamboyant Afghan batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50 off 36 balls) and captain James Vince (35 off 28 balls) added 78 for the opening stand in 7.4 overs to set up an easy win.
Vince had a lot of good words for his bowlers, Aayan in particular. “Getting asked to bat, the spinners were fantastic in the middle. “He always does a fantastic job every time he plays,” he said of Aayan.
The Giants jumped to second position on the points table with six points from four games, two behind table-toppers Desert Vipers.
Brief scores
Gulf Giants beat Sharjah Warriorz by six wickets.
Sharjah Warriorz 157/6 in 20 overs (Dwaine Pretorius 36, Johnson Charles 36, Tim David 19, Aayan Khan 3 for 17, Mark Adair 2 for 22, Liam Dawson 1 for 22)
Gulf Giants 158/4 in 19.4 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, James Vince 35, Azmatullah Omarzai 28, Sikandar Raza 2 for 20, Adil Rashid 1 for 21)
Player of the Match: Aayan Khan