Star West Indies all-rounder Dominic Drakes gets stretchered off the field after taking spectacular diving catch in ILT20

Dominic Drakes (Source: Twitter)

The International League T20 or ILT20, is approaching its conclusion, with the playoffs scheduled to begin on February 8. In the last league match, Gulf Giants defeated Sharjah Warriors by seven wickets to eliminate them from the competition. Veteran bowler David Wiese started during the game with a brilliant five-wicket haul, which led Giants to a convincing victory. Although, a scary moment on the field left spectators in shock.

Gulf Giants’ allrounder Dominic Drakes suffered a facial blow just after taking a brilliant catch in the field. During the sixth over of the Warriors' innings, Drakes made a spectacular diving catch to get rid of Sharjah Warriors’ skipper Moeen Ali. The West Indian allrounder dove forward to take the catch as the ball was moving quickly. In the process, he hit his face on the ground leading to a facial injury. Drakes' injury turned out to be rather serious, and he was rushed to the hospital.

Watch Drakes’ brilliant fielding effort here

Brilliance from Drakes!

A #Bawaal catch to dismiss Moeen Ali!#SWvGG #CricketOnZee #DPWorldILT20 #HarBallBawaal pic.twitter.com/mtUDVj4xJm

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 6, 2023

Qais Ahmed prayed for Dominic Drakes in the field who injured while taking a catch.#BorderGavaskarTrophy #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kfeutBaE3T

— Cricket With Abdullah 🏏 (@Abdullah__Neaz) February 7, 2023

The 25-year-old Barbadian allrounder has represented West Indies in ten T20I matches and has taken 6 wickets. In the Indian T20 league, Drakes was previously associated with the Gujarat franchise, however, he was released without getting any chance to play.

Sharjah Warrior fail to qualify for playoffs of ILT20 

Talking about the match, after winning the toss Gulf Giants called Sharjah Warriors to bat first. In the do-or-die match Warriors failed to hold their nerves and collapsed against the stunning spell of David Wiese. Wiese in his four-over spell took five wickets for 20 runs. His bowling bundled up the Warriors for 107 in 18.3 overs.

In response, Giants didn’t make any mistakes and comfortably chased down the target with 21 balls in hand wrecking the Warriors' hope of playoffs. Giants will take on Desert Viper in the first qualifier on February 8 in Dubai International Stadium. While Dubai Capitals will take Kieron Pollard’s MI Emirates in the eliminator on February 9 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.