MI Emirates produced a remarkable bowling and fielding effort to defend the lowest total in DP World ILT20 history, edging past the Dubai Capitals by seven runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
After Jonny Bairstow’s fighting half-century carried MI Emirates to a modest 137 for eight, the Capitals appeared in control of the chase through Jordan Cox and Shayan Jahangir. However, Rashid Khan’s timely strikes and a composed death-over effort turned the contest on its head, lifting MI Emirates to six points and into third place on the Season 4 points table at the expense of the Capitals.
Capitals Seize Control Before Rashid Intervenes
The Capitals suffered an early setback when Muhammad Rohid removed Leus De Plooy for four, but Jahangir and Cox quickly wrestled back momentum. Jahangir struck three sixes in his 34 off 27, while Cox’s fluent 46 off 41 included three boundaries as the pair raced to 51 inside the powerplay.
With the chase well on course, Rashid provided the breakthrough by deceiving Jahangir soon after the field spread. Cox continued to anchor the innings alongside Rovman Powell, but the scoring rate dipped and pressure mounted.
Rashid struck again in the 13th over, having Powell stumped for 11, before Kamindu Mendis bowled Dasun Shanaka for three to leave the Capitals 94 for four after 14 overs. Jimmy Neesham was then run out for a duck, compounding the slide.
Despite Cox remaining at the crease, the required rate climbed sharply, leaving the Capitals needing 30 from the final three overs.
Death Overs Seal Stunning Defence
The decisive blow came in the penultimate over when Naveen-ul-Haq removed both Cox and Mohammad Nabi in the space of three deliveries. From there, MI Emirates kept their composure, with three more wickets falling, including a run-out in Romario Shepherd’s final over, as the Capitals were bowled out for 130.
Happy with the win today. The last game we were close too, but happy to finish it today. It’s always good to be in a team that has experience. Today was a proper team effort and bowling effort. The way we fielded gave us energy.
Bairstow Anchors Gritty MI Emirates Innings
Earlier, MI Emirates endured a restrained powerplay as disciplined new-ball spells limited Muhammad Waseem and Bairstow to 40 runs in the first six overs.
After David Willey dismissed Waseem in the seventh over, Bairstow added impetus alongside Nicholas Pooran in a 48-run stand. Bairstow reached his half-century off 30 balls, hammering Mohammad Nabi for a boundary and back-to-back sixes in an innings that featured eight fours and three sixes.
Momentum swung when Jawadullah delivered a superb spell, dismissing both Pooran and Bairstow in his first two overs while conceding only seven runs. Kieron Pollard and Kamindu Mendis followed in quick succession, before Mustafizur Rahman ripped through the lower order with three wickets.
Romario Shepherd’s unbeaten 18, which included a six and a four, ensured MI Emirates had something to defend.
Capitals Rue Missed Chances
We really bowled well, but a few dropped catches gave them extra runs. The game was totally with us. I think I gave my wicket away, and mine and Jimmy Neesham’s dismissals were crucial at a point where they needed wickets.
Brief Scores: MI Emirates 137 for 8 in 20 overs (Jonny Bairstow 67, Romario Shepherd 18 not out, Muhammad Waseem 17; Mustafizur Rahman 3 for 34, Jawadullah 2 for 7)
beat Dubai Capitals 130 all out in 20 overs (Jordan Cox 46, Shayan Jahangir 34; Rashid Khan 2 for 14, Romario Shepherd 2 for 25, Naveen-ul-Haq 2 for 27). MI Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals by seven runs.
