The MI Emirates marked their first win of the International League T20 (ILT20) season with an impressive 26-run triumph over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday. Half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran paved the way for their victory, while Fazalhaq Farooqi’s exceptional bowling sealed the game.
Shai Hope’s Heroics in Vain
Despite Shai Hope’s spectacular century, which saw him score 101 runs off just 59 balls, the Dubai Capitals could not overcome the MI Emirates. This innings, Hope’s second T20 century, was also the first century for a Dubai Capitals player in ILT20 history. However, his efforts went unrewarded as the Emirates outplayed the Capitals in key moments.
MI Emirates’ Bowling Turns the Tide
Chasing a formidable target of 188, the Dubai Capitals faced an early setback when Alzarri Joseph dismissed Ben Dunk in the powerplay. While Hope kept the scoreboard ticking, forming a solid 61-run partnership with McMullen, the Capitals lost momentum after McMullen’s dismissal.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s game-changing over, where he claimed two wickets and conceded just three runs, shifted the momentum decisively. His pinpoint yorkers dismissed Sikandar Raza and Dasun Shanaka, leaving the Capitals reeling. Zahoor Khan’s economical 19th over further tightened the noose, leaving the Capitals needing an improbable 36 runs in the final over, which they failed to achieve.
MI Emirates’ Strong Start with the Bat
Earlier, MI Emirates overcame an early blow when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Kusala Perera with the first delivery of the match. Tom Banton and Muhammad Waseem steadied the innings with a 38-run stand. Waseem was run out for 18, but Banton continued to anchor the innings.
Banton reached his half-century with a commanding six and ended with a well-crafted 74 off 52 balls. Nicholas Pooran joined the attack with a blistering 59 off just 29 deliveries, including six towering sixes. His onslaught, particularly against Olly Stone in the 15th over, was a highlight of the match. Despite losing wickets in the final overs, the Emirates posted a competitive total of 187/7.
Post-Match Reactions
Reflecting on the loss, Shai Hope said, “A hundred always feels better when you’re on the winning side. Unfortunately, we couldn’t cross the line, but it was a good pitch, and we managed to restrict them under 200. We just fell short with the bat.”
Player of the Match Tom Banton expressed his delight, saying, “It was challenging at the start. We discussed pre-game that someone had to bat through the innings, and I took that responsibility. The wickets here are always good, and it’s my first season in ILT20. Today was my turn to step up, and I’m glad I could contribute.”
The MI Emirates will look to build on their momentum, while the Dubai Capitals will hope to bounce back in their upcoming games.
