MI Emirates Storm Into Qualifier 1 With Commanding Victory
In a display of sheer dominance, MI Emirates clinched a top-two finish in the International League T20 (ILT20) with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. This crucial victory sets up a Qualifier 1 clash against Desert Vipers on Tuesday, bringing them one step closer to the tournament final.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Easy Chase
The foundation for the win was laid by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Dubai Capitals to a modest 122 for 8 in their 20 overs. The innings never gained momentum as MI Emirates bowlers applied relentless pressure. Young Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar was the standout performer, claiming impressive figures of 3 for 28. He was ably supported by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, who conceded only 11 runs from his four overs while taking one wicket.
Despite a brief resistance from James Neesham (21) and an unbeaten 22 from skipper Mohammad Nabi, the Capitals' batting lineup faltered under consistent pressure, particularly during the middle overs.
Pollard's Power-Hitting Seals the Deal
Chasing a low target of 123, MI Emirates openers Muhammad Waseem (27) and Andre Fletcher provided a steady start. The chase was then calmly guided by skipper Kieron Pollard and Tom Banton. The match was decisively tilted in MI Emirates' favour when Pollard unleashed a brutal assault on bowler Waqar Salamkheil in the 14th over, smashing 30 runs in a single over that included a flurry of sixes.
Pollard remained not out on a powerful 44 runs off just 35 balls, hitting five sixes, while Banton provided solid support with an unbeaten 28. The pair added an unbroken 67-run partnership to complete the chase in just 16.4 overs, highlighting the team's commanding performance.
Post-Match Reactions and Tournament Implications
Player of the Match Allah Ghazanfar shared his thoughts on his successful spell. "I bowled with the same confidence and stayed true to my plans," he said. "As a finger spinner, executing variations isn't easy, but the work I put in behind the scenes really pays off." He specifically mentioned his caught-and-bowled dismissal, stating he backed his best delivery despite the risk.
A disappointed Dubai Capitals captain Mohammad Nabi acknowledged the shortfall. "We didn't put enough runs on the board on this surface, and credit to the MI Emirates — they bowled very well," he said. "Pollard took the game away from us." He expressed hope for a stronger performance in their next match, noting that conditions in Dubai might suit them better.
This result has also finalized the playoff picture. The winner of Sunday's league finale between Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will now face the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1.
Brief Scores:
Dubai Capitals: 122/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nabi 22*, James Neesham 21; Allah Ghazanfar 3/28, Shakib Al Hasan 1/11)
MI Emirates: 126/2 in 16.4 overs (Kieron Pollard 44*, Tom Banton 28*, Muhammad Waseem 27; Haider Ali 1/14)
