In the International League T20 2023 match between Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shimron Hetmyer dominated leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. The Giants successfully chased a target of 196 runs with three balls remaining and secured a five-wicket victory. Hetmyer was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring 70 runs in 35 balls with five fours and five sixes.
After the powerplay, the opposing team’s captain brought out his ace, Hasaranga, to bowl the first over. However, this strategy proved to be ineffective as Hetmyer dominated the over. Chris Lynn began the over with a boundary to the off-side, followed by a single.
On the third ball, Lynn handed the bat to Hetmyer who then took advantage of the last three balls by hitting them over the stands with a slog-sweep. Hasaranga’s delivery was a mistake and Hetmyer took full advantage of it.
When Hasaranga adjusted his delivery length, Hetmyer was ready for the challenge. The left-handed batter pulled the ball for another six in the over. Hetmyer continued his onslaught and hit Hasaranga for a third six in the over. Using his back foot, he pulled the Sri Lankan leg-spinner’s delivery over the ropes.
At the end of the first six overs, the Giants were in a difficult position with a score of 43 for the loss of three wickets. However, Hetmyer’s aggressive batting provided the needed momentum as the Giants scored 23 runs off the over. Despite Hetmyer getting out to Sheldon Cottrell in the 14th over, the Giants were already in a commanding position in the run-chase.
The Giants secured a win and maintained their lead on the points table with 8 points and a net run rate of +2.130. Hasaranga ended the match with statistics of 4-0-47-1.
