The UAE cricket board launched the first edition of the International League T20 which kicked off last month, and today was the final of the first edition between Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants. The DP World ILT20 2023 final took place today at the Dubai International Stadium and the hard-fought contest saw quite a few highlight moments, including a fantastic catch in the first innings.
Desert Vipers batted first and lost a flurry of wickets just before Sam Billings and Wanindu Hasaranga put up a great stand for the 5th wicket. And just when they looked like they were making a comeback into the game, there was a moment of brilliance from South African-Namibian all-rounder David Wiese who took flew to take a well-timed one-handed catch to dismiss Billings for 31(29).
David Wiese takes great catch in ILT20 2023 final
They say catches win matches and Wiese showed how important catches are, reducing at least 15-20 additional runs by dismissing a well-set Billings who was ready to cut loose in the 15th over. Carlos Brathwaite was the bowler who took some pace off the ball and Billings only managed to toe-end it towards Wiese at mid-off, who pulled off an athletic catch.
Wiese timed the jump perfectly and stuck out one hand after running behind and keeping his eyes on the ball, near the 30-yard circle. His outstretched right hand caught the ball and he managed to keep the ball within even after tumbling backwards. The catch disturbed the momentum of the batting side and the next over, even Hasaranga was dismissed, wrestling the momentum once again.
SEE ALSO: List of top online sports betting sites
It was a brilliant grab to dismiss Sam Billings and because of that, the Giants went into the halfway stage as clear favourites. They lost regular wickets and weren’t able to get past the 150-run mark, finishing at 146/8 in their 20 overs. Hasaranga was the top scorer with a very attacking 55(27), until he was also caught in the deep off the bowling of Qais Ahmad. See the brilliant David Wiese catch here:
No Way Wiese! 🤯
Here is @David_Wiese's #Bawaal one-handed grab to dismiss Sam Billings.
Catch all the action from #DVvGG here – https://t.co/4vfeSRsPDN#CricketOnZee #BawaalFinalWeek #PehlaBawaalChampion #DPWorldILT20 https://t.co/zeDxjbV71b pic.twitter.com/nLVrWfFigM
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 12, 2023
The ILT20 final took place on the same day that the SA20 League final took place in South Africa, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape was crowned the first champions of that tournament. The Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers will surely fight it out here to make a memorable final at the 2023 ILT20 as well, and we’re sure it’s going to go down to the wire.
For similar updates from the 2023 ILT20 tournament, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.
Sign-up to LottaBet to get 250% win bonus on every bet
