Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates, 18th Match, International League T20, 2023 - CommentaryGG vs MIE, 18th Match, International League T20, 2023 - Commentary

This was on the cards as we saw some puddles of water that had formed on the outfield because of the heavy rains. The umpires decided that the ground conditions are not fit for play tonight. So, it’s a third straight washout in the ILT20. Let’s hope the weather improves and we have some exciting cricketing action back in the UAE. Tomorrow, a double-header is coming up your way, provided the weather holds up! Do join us for those. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

19:58 Local Time, 15:58 GMT, 21:28 IST: Well, the game has been officially called off! The Rain Gods have had their final say!

19:40 Local Time, 15:40 GMT, 21:10 IST: News is coming in that the match has been called off. We are still awaiting the official confirmation though. We will get to know in a bit, so stay with us.

19:05 Local Time, 15:05 GMT, 20:35 IST: The super soppers are out in the middle. The pitch is still under covers though. The ground staff is ensuring that they continue to dry up the outfield. The inspection is around the corner so let's keep our fingers crossed!

18:44 Local Time, 14:44 GMT, 20:14 IST: We have some positive news! According to ILT20, the rain has stopped. The pitch and ground is set to be inspected at 7:15 pm local time provided the rain doesn't come in again.

18:04 Local Time, 14:04 GMT, 19:34 IST: The rain continues! We can see a few puddles of water already on the outfield. Not good signs these.

17:45 Local Time, 13:45 GMT, 19:15 IST: It's looking pretty gloomy out there. Unfortunately, the rain is coming down heavier now. Let's hope it's a passing shower.

Pitch Report: David Gower did an inspection of the surface before the rain set it. He stated that the wicket looks bare and devoid of much grass. Feels that it will be a decent pitch overall. Observes that there's swing on offer in Dubai in the initial stages and suggests that whichever captain wins the toss, should look to bowl first.

17:33 Local Time, 13:33 GMT, 19:03 IST: Hey folks! The toss has been delayed because the rain has set in. The covers are on over the pitch. We can see the experts holding umbrellas in their hands. Hopefully, the weather holds up tonight. Stay tuned for more updates..

5:10 PM Local: Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of the 18th Match of the ILT20 between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates in Dubai. There has been inclement weather in Dubai since the last few days but let’s hope the rain stays away. It’s a clash between two sides who are sitting in the upper half of the table. The Gulf side are on top of the tree but they suffered a demoralising loss in their previous game against Sharjah. Their batters crumbled under pressure and that is an area of concern for them. They will hope that it was just one bad day at office as prior to that, they have clicked as a unit. On the other hand, MI Emirates had a dream start to their campaign, with 3 wins on the trot but a couple of losses after that has pegged them back a bit. Their bowlers have been leaking too many runs lately and that has been the cause of their downfall. The good thing for them though is that their skipper, Pollard, is in scintillating form with the bat. He will be eager to lead from the front. Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways. Stick around as the toss and team lineups are around the corner..

MI Emirates Squad: Muhammad Waseem, Vriitya Aravind(w), Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard(c), Najibullah Zadran, Samit Patel, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Brad Wheal, Imran Tahir, Craig Overton, Zahir Khan, Lorcan Tucker, Zahoor Khan, Tom Lammonby, Bas de Leede, Jordan Thompson, Dan Mousley, Basil Hameed, Will Smeed, McKenny Clarke

Gulf Giants Squad: Rehan Ahmed, James Vince(c), Chris Lynn, Tom Banton(w), Aayan Afzal Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Liam Dawson, David Wiese, Chris Jordan, Sanchit Sharma, Richard Gleeson, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, Tom Helm, Qais Ahmad, Ollie Pope, Dominic Drakes, Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Ashwanth Chidambaram