Global T20 League: Vancouver Knights Clinch Final Berth in a Rain Affected Game

Vancouver Knights sealed their spot in the final of the Global T20 Canada 2018, after ending up with a 13-run win via DLS Method over Winnipeg Hawks in the Qualifier 2 in a dramatic finish. Defending 154, the Knights had reduced their opponents to 84 for five before bad light stopped play.

The absence of floodlights, and with rain resuming, the game, eventually called off with the Hawks 13 short of the par score at that point in the match. Reduced to 13 overs due to rain, the Knights reached 152 banking on a strong start from opener Chadwick Walton. His 26-ball 45 gave the Knights the steady start they were hoping for.

Although skipper Chris Gayle fell cheaply, Ben Dunk and Andre Russell chipped in with handy cameos. While Russell scored 29 off 17, Dunk contributed 36 off 15 to capitalize on the foundation set by Walton. The impetus, however, came from Tim Southee, who smashed two sixes to end the innings on a high.

The Hawks needed their skipper David Warner, who departed on the first ball, with Southee striking early. Lendl Simmons blazed away to a quick-fire 35 to keep his side in the chase.

But with over 13 runs required per over, it was always going to be a tough ask. Fawad Ahmed was expensive, but his two wickets of Simmons and Ben McDermott pegged the Hawks down.

David Miller (17) and Darren Bravo (14*) reached to double figures, but with them being well behind the required rate, the game was as good as out of their reach. The Knights will play CWI B Team in the final at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground, King City, on July 15.  

Brief scores: Vancouver Knights 152/5 in 13 overs (Chadwick Walton 45, Ben Dunk 29, Andre Russell 36; Ali Khan 2-47) beat Winnipeg Hawks 84/5 in 8.3 overs (Lendl Simmons 35; Fawad Ahmed 2-22) by 13 runs by DLS method.

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