James Vince led from the front to steer Gulf Giants to a second win from two matches in the International League T20.
Captain Vince spanked 83 not out from 56 balls to guide his side to their 183-run target with an over to spare at the Dubai International Stadium, and condemn Dubai Capitals to defeat.
He was joined in dominant third-wicket partnerships worth 107 in 9.5 overs by Gerhard Erasmus, who hit a half-century of his own.
Erasmus made 52 from 28 deliveries, hitting two sixes, after Ollie Pope had been dismissed for a third-ball duck.
By the time the Namibian was out – run out by Rovman Powell after a Vince straight drive ricoheted back off the non-striker’s wicket, into the Smith’s hands and the allrounder pulled a stump out of the ground to complete the dismissal – the chase was all but done.
The Giants had earlier benefited from an entertaining cameo with bat and ball by Rehan Ahmed. England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer took 3 for 28 with the ball before clubbing 28 in 17 balls at the top of the order.
Ahmed’s contribution in the first innings included the wickets of Powell, Ravi Bopara and Dasun Shanaka. He was supported by Richard Gleeson (2 for 22).
Robin Uthappa top scored for the Capitals, with 79 off 46 balls, and both Powell (38) and Sikandar Raza (30) chipped in with runs, but ultimately their first-innings total was not enough.
Gulf Giants sit top of the table after their two victories so far this term. Dubai Capitals are fourth but don’t have to wait long to get their own back on the Giants – the same two teams meet again on Thursday (January 19).