MI Emirates showcased their depth and discipline to register a commanding 35-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Saturday’s DP World ILT20 clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, successfully defending a competitive total of 187 for 4 and climbing to second on the points table.
A powerful finish with the bat followed by incisive bowling in the middle overs proved decisive as the Knight Riders’ chase never quite recovered after a promising start.
Late Surge Lifts Mi Emirates To Imposing Total
MI Emirates laid a solid foundation through an explosive start from Jonny Bairstow, who smashed 38 off just 16 deliveries, striking five fours and two sixes. Muhammad Waseem anchored the innings with a measured 37, while Tom Banton added impetus with a brisk 38 off 28 balls.
Bairstow’s dismissal in the fifth over slowed the momentum briefly, but Waseem and Banton steadied the innings through the middle phase with a 50-run stand. The acceleration came at the death as Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard launched a decisive assault, adding 62 runs off just 32 balls. Pooran’s unbeaten 40 off 24 balls and Pollard’s 28 off 16 powered MI Emirates to 187 for 4, with 44 runs coming from the final three overs.
Knight Riders Start Well But Lose Grip
In reply, the Knight Riders began confidently despite losing Phil Salt early. Brandon McMullen and Alex Hales took charge during the powerplay, finding boundaries with ease and guiding their side to 59 for 1 after six overs.
McMullen anchored the chase impressively while Hales played the aggressor in an 82-run stand that briefly put the Knight Riders in control. At the halfway stage, needing 92 from the final 10 overs, the target appeared well within reach.
Middle-Overs Squeeze Turns The Match
The momentum swung decisively between overs 11 and 15 as MI Emirates tightened the screws through Zahoor Khan and Arab Gul. Arab struck first to remove Hales, before Zahoor delivered a match-defining spell that dismantled the middle order.
Sherfane Rutherford, Liam Livingstone and Andre Russell fell in quick succession, stalling the chase completely. Although McMullen battled on to an unbeaten 64 off 49 balls, the required rate soared beyond control. Zahoor’s third wicket, dismissing Sunil Narine, extinguished any remaining hopes as the Knight Riders closed on 152 for 7.
Zahoor Leads With Ball, Earns Plaudits
Zahoor Khan finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 16, while Arab Gul chipped in with 2 for 19 to seal a comprehensive win.
I’m extremely pleased with my performance. The support from the MI Emirates management has been outstanding and has played a big role in our success. Having spent a lot of time playing cricket in the UAE, I understand these conditions well, and it was satisfying to see that experience contribute to a match-winning performance.
Knight Riders captain Jason Holder lamented the middle-order collapse.
187 was a competitive but chaseable total on this surface, and at the halfway stage we felt we were in a strong position. However, losing wickets in clusters during the middle overs completely stalled our momentum.
“We were cruising at one point, but a few errors cost us dearly.”
Brief Scores: MI Emirates 187/4 in 20 0vers (Nicholas Pooran 40 not out, Jonny Bairstow 38, Tom Banton 38, Ajay Kumar 2 for 42) Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 152/7 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 64 not out, Alex Hales 40, Zahoor Khan 3 for 16, Arab Gul 2 for 19). MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 35 runs.
