MI Emirates Secure Spot in ILT20 Qualifier with Dominant Win Over Dubai Capitals

In a thrilling ILT20 match, MI Emirates secured their place in the top two with an impressive eight-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals. Kieron Pollard's unbeaten 44 runs were pivotal in the win, complemented by strong bowling performances from Allah Ghazanfar and Shakib Al Hasan. The match showcased MI Emirates' dominance, setting the stage for their upcoming Qualifier against the Desert Vipers. With the final league match determining the next eliminator, cricket fans are eager to see how the teams will perform in the concluding stages of the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 12:12 IST

MI Emirates Clinch Top Two Position

MI Emirates solidified their position among the top two teams following a convincing eight-wicket victory against the Dubai Capitals during their International League T20 (ILT20) match at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Kieron Pollard played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs, which included five sixes, ensuring MI Emirates' place in the Qualifier 1 against the Desert Vipers on December 30, as per the ILT20 announcement.

The outcome of the final league match on Sunday between the Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will determine who faces the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1.

Pollard's Leadership Shines

Pollard's stellar performance, scoring 44 runs off 31 balls with one four and five sixes, propelled MI Emirates to their fifth consecutive win this season.

The opening partnership between Muhammad Waseem (27 runs off 19 balls, including three fours and a six) and Andre Fletcher (21 runs off 30 balls with two fours and a six) set a strong foundation with a brisk 33-run start within the first three overs.

The duo remained unbeaten through the powerplay, leading MI Emirates to a solid 45/0 after six overs.

Key Moments in the Match

The first breakthrough occurred in the seventh over when Haider Ali dismissed Waseem LBW, concluding their 47-run opening partnership.

Fletcher continued to contribute alongside Tom Banton (28 runs off 20 balls with three fours and a six) until he was run out in the 10th over.

Despite these challenges, MI Emirates reached a comfortable 59/2 at the halfway mark, maintaining control of the chase.

Pollard's Game-Changing Over

Pollard stabilized the innings with Banton during the middle overs, but it was the 14th over that shifted the momentum significantly. Pollard hit Waqar Salamkheil for 30 runs in that over, including three consecutive sixes, leaving just 10 runs needed from the last five overs.

MI Emirates completed the chase with style, finishing with an unbeaten 67-run partnership off 43 balls between Pollard and Banton.

Capitals Struggle Against Spin

Choosing to field first, MI Emirates quickly asserted their dominance, applying pressure during the Powerplay. Shakib Al Hasan took the first wicket in the fourth over, dismissing Shayan Jahangir (17 runs off 18 balls), while Ghazanfar followed suit in the sixth over, taking out Sediqullah Atal (7 runs off 9 balls), leaving the Capitals at 35/2.

The situation worsened when Leus de Plooy (3 runs off 5 balls) was run out, and Dan Mousley claimed Rovman Powell (8 runs off 4 balls) in the eighth over.

Arab Gul further tightened the grip by trapping Jordan Cox on the pads, leaving the Capitals struggling at 53/5 after ten overs.

Neesham's Brief Resistance

James Neesham (21 runs off 14 balls, with three fours and a six) provided a brief lift to the innings but was dismissed by Ghazanfar, who also took David Willey (2 runs off 2 balls) in the same over.

At 83/7, Mohammad Nabi and Scott Currie (15 runs off 18 balls) managed to revive the innings with a crucial 28-run partnership before Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Currie in the penultimate over.

Nabi ended the innings not out at 22 runs from 30 balls, but Zahoor Khan's economical bowling in the final over sealed a strong performance for MI Emirates.

Post-Match Insights

'Player of the Match' Allah Ghazanfar expressed, "I bowled with confidence and adhered to my plans. As a finger spinner, executing variations is challenging, but my preparation paid off. I knew I could be hit for six, but I trusted my best delivery, which created the opportunity."

Dubai Capitals captain Mohammad Nabi remarked, "We didn't score enough runs on this pitch, and MI Emirates bowled exceptionally well. Our bowling unit gave their all, but Pollard's performance turned the game in their favor. The conditions in Dubai suit us, and we aim to bounce back strongly in the next match."

Match Summary

MI Emirates triumphed over Dubai Capitals by eight wickets.

Dubai Capitals scored 122/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nabi 22 not out, James Neesham 21, Shayan Jahangir 17; Allah Ghazanfar 3 for 28, Shakib Al Hasan 1 for 11).

MI Emirates chased down the target with 126/2 in 16.4 overs (Kieron Pollard 44 not out, Tom Banton 28 not out, Muhammad Waseem 27; Haider Ali 1 for 14).

Player of the Match: Allah Ghazanfar.