In match number 27 of the ILT20 2025 season, the Gulf Giants defeated the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi to take a significant lead in the standings. In their last league game, quick bowlers Chris Jordan and Mark Adair performed admirably as a team before Gerhard Erasmus led the Giants' run-chase effort.
Giants restrict Knight Riders on 123/7
Knights were seen struggling for the majority of their innings. Both their openers returned to the dugout after scoring 1 run off 6 balls. They went from 1-1 to 26/3 inside the first seven overs. If it was not for David Willey's 41-run knock off 29 balls which included one boundary and four sixes, ADKR would have probably struggled to score 100 runs. Alishan Sharafu (21 not out off 13 balls) and captain Sunil Narine (12 not out off 12 balls) joined a crucial partnership and helped their team post 123/7. Mark Adair and Chris Jordan took 2 wickets each. Meanwhile, Daniel Worrall, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tom Curran settled with one each.
Giants complete easy chase with 7 wickets in hand
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders fast bowler David Willey successively dismissed number three batter Jordan Cox and Gulf Giants captain James Vince. Gerhard Erasmus, Vince's opening partner, and Tom Curran batted on for the next 10 overs, bringing the Giants close to reaching the 100-run milestone.
Erasmus scored 47 runs from 51 balls, including six boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by a misdirected shot from Jason Holder. However, the Gulf Giants easily won by seven wickets with more than two overs remaining thanks to a well-balanced 38* from 35 balls that included three boundaries and a six from Curran and 20* off 11 from fellow undefeated standout Shimron Hetmyer.
With this win, Giants have revived their playoffs campaign. They have now reached the third spot on the ILT20 2025 points table. Whereas the Knight Riders are at the bottom.
"Opening the bowling with Mark, it was about giving us a good start. It is a group which prides on diversity. Left arm, right arm, tall and short, we have everything. I was in the shower for most part of the second innings. Hoping for some luck in the games that remain," said Daniel Worrall after winning Player of the Match.