Aayan Khan Stars as Gulf Giants Defeat Sharjah Warriorz in DP World ILT20

A decisive bowling display from UAE spinner Aayan Khan powered the Gulf Giants to a six-wicket win over the Sharjah Warriorz in the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Khan’s three-wicket burst restricted the Warriorz to 157/6, setting up the Giants’ third victory in four matches and keeping them second on the points table. The result handed the Warriorz their third consecutive loss of the season.

Chasing 158, the Giants made a blistering start through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and James Vince. The pair attacked early, hammering 21 runs off Wasim Akram in the second over and striking five sixes inside the powerplay. They raced to 73 without loss, giving the Giants full control of the chase.

Vince’s departure for 35 off 28, dismissed by Sikandar Raza, slowed the scoring. The Warriorz spinners tightened the contest, with Raza and Adil Rashid applying pressure during the middle overs. Only 48 runs came between the sixth and 16th over, creating tension in what had earlier seemed a comfortable pursuit.

Gurbaz held firm and reached a measured half-century off 34 balls, hitting four sixes. His knock ended when he attempted another big hit off Raza. Moeen Ali’s stay was short-lived, bowled by Rashid for 13. With the equation at 47 from 39 balls, Gerhard Erasmus and Azmatullah Omarzai took charge. Boundaries were scarce, and the target eventually came down to eight needed from the final over.

Omarzai struck Tim Southee over the ropes first ball, easing the pressure. He fell immediately after for 28 off 21, but the Giants crossed the line with two deliveries remaining.

Earlier, the Warriorz had a steady start despite the early exit of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, removed by Mark Adair. Johnson Charles and Kusal Mendis put on a measured partnership, taking the score to 48/1 by the end of the powerplay. Charles top-scored with 36 off 32, while Mendis contributed 23 off 15.

The innings shifted when Khan entered the attack. His spell of 3/17 dismantled the middle order, removing both set batters and Tim David. Liam Dawson added control with an economical 1/21, dismissing Raza and tightening the screws.

At 119/6 in the 18th over, the Warriorz looked set for a modest total, but Dwaine Pretorius ignited a late charge. His aggressive 36 off 17 balls, supported by Rashid’s 12 off 6, added 36 runs in 16 balls, lifting the side to a competitive score. Omarzai’s penultimate over was taken for 20 runs in the surge.

Khan, named Player of the Match, said he was pleased with his return to the attack after sitting out previous games. Warriorz captain Southee acknowledged his side’s fight but admitted the team must quickly turn results around.