MI Emirates vs Giants, 24th Match at Abu Dhabi, ILT20, Feb 01 2023 - Match Result

10.15pm That concludes the action from today. Giants qualify with a last-ball win. MI Emirates are still in contention to make the playoffs. Ekanth's wrap will be in shortly, for all those who missed the action. Desert Vipers take on Dubai Capitals tomorrow, so join us for that. Time for me to sign off now on behalf of Ekanth and Binoy George.

10.05pm Time for the presentation ceremony.

Chris Jordan is the player of the match: "Obviously it's a good feeling as a squad and team to qualify. That was the first goal when we came into the tournament. [On the last few overs] Yeah we had an experienced player in Hetmyer out there so to be honest, we just wanted to have some fun, back the bowlers to miss at some point. [On his bowling performance] yeah, not too bad. Been doing some good work off the pitch with my bowling coach and long may it continue. Just trying to go out there and execute whatever I feel the game needs."

Vince: "Obviously a bit tighter than we hoped. The conditions were reasonable. Both teams would have thought they could have gotten more, we could have chased it a little easier, but good job by the bowlers to restrict a powerful batting lineup. I think the fact that we had quite a few wickets in hands and the batters in the middle, Hettie, he clears the ropes with ease, so we had faith in him. Yeah it's good to see him [Banton] in form. He will play a big role for us in the last few games. [On qualifying] Yeah now we want to secure top two, giving us two shots at playing the final."

Pollard: "I think it was a good game of cricket. Both teams did not get enough runs but it was a good game. We were under-par. We should have tried to take it deeper but we were just swinging for it. But we did well to stay in the game right throughout. [On what they discussed in the timeout] Just thought that if we could have them go at 6-7 runs an over for a couple of overs and we could get a few wickets it would bring us back into the game. He did well and held his nerve till the end. I had to use my trump cards, the left-arm pacers in the powerplay and then had to use them in the last few overs. You can't fault the guys for the effort. To be in contention with two games to go, they've done very well. We just need to be consistent and be smart."

10pmAfeef: "Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo still have it in them." Indeed they do. Pollard has shown he is still destructive with the bat in the tournament. Bravo today was brilliant with the ball, using all his guile and experience to help his team almost defend 139.

9.55pm Well, what a win in the end for Gulf Giants! Pollard gives Hetmyer a hug. Hetmyer is all smiles after that. Giants have now joined the Desert Vipers in sealing a spot in the knockout stages. Giants bowled beautifully to skittle MI Emirates out for 133 and then looked set to chase it comfortably with Vince and Banton seeing out the powerplay. A few quick wickets raised questions but Lynn and Erasmus seemed to have things under control. But then it turned again, with more wickets falling and Jordan Thompson bowled a brilliant last over to take the match to the last delivery. Hetmyer, however, held his nerve to hit a six with Giants needing three off it. This has been a thrilling match, with good performances from both teams. A real nail-biter. MI Emirates are third, two points clear of Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriors, and it will be an interesting three-way shootout between these teams for the last two knockout spots.

3 needed from the last delivery! Can MI Emirates pull off a brilliant comeback win? Hetmyer is having a change of bat, meanwhile

4 needed off 2 now! Thompson goes over to Pollard at long-on for a chat with the skipper. He is sent back after a quick word

6 from 3 now. Hetmyer on strike

7 from 4. Jordan on strike

Right then, Jordan Thompson to bowl the final over. 11 needed off it. Chris Jordan is the new batter, at the non-striker's end. All eyes on Hetmyer

Goes back around the wicket for Wiese

From over the wicket to Hetmyer

Well, well, well. Is there a twist here now? David Wiese comes out at four down. 17 needed off 11 for the Giants

18 needed off the last two overs. Bravo to bowl the penultimate over. From around the wicket

Shimron Hetmyer walks out at No. 5. 22 needed off 17