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

In a thrilling ILT20 match, MI Emirates triumphed over Dubai Capitals by eight wickets, securing their place in the Qualifier 1. Kieron Pollard's outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs, was pivotal in this victory. The MI Emirates bowlers, particularly Allah Ghazanfar, who took three wickets, played a crucial role in restricting the Capitals to 122 runs. With this win, MI Emirates aims to continue their winning streak as they prepare for their next challenge against the Desert Vipers. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match highlights and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 10:27 IST

MI Emirates Clinches Victory Against Dubai Capitals

Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 28: MI Emirates solidified their position in the top two after a commanding 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, including five sixes, which ensured MI Emirates' place in the Qualifier 1 against the Desert Vipers on December 30, as per an ILT20 announcement.

In another match, the outcome of the Gulf Giants versus Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Sunday will determine who faces the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1.

The MI Emirates bowlers showcased their skills, with Allah Ghazanfar taking three wickets for 28 runs and Shakib Al Hasan delivering an economical spell of 1 for 11, restricting the Capitals to 122 runs for 8 wickets. Pollard's unbeaten 44 runs off 31 balls led the team to their fifth consecutive win this season.

MI Emirates started strong, with openers Muhammad Waseem (27 runs off 19 balls) and Andre Fletcher (21 runs off 30 balls) forming a solid 33-run partnership in the first three overs. They ended the powerplay at a comfortable 45 without losing a wicket.

The first breakthrough came in the seventh over when Haider Ali dismissed Waseem LBW, concluding a 47-run opening stand. Fletcher continued to score alongside Tom Banton (28 runs off 20 balls) until he was run out in the 10th over. Despite these challenges, MI Emirates reached 59 for 2 at the halfway mark.

From that point, the chase was well-managed. Pollard and Banton steadied the innings, with Pollard hitting Waqar Salamkheil for 30 runs in one over, including three consecutive sixes, leaving just 10 runs needed from the last five overs. MI Emirates completed the chase comfortably, finishing with a 67-run partnership off 43 balls between Pollard and Banton.

After opting to bowl first, MI Emirates applied early pressure during the Powerplay. Shakib Al Hasan took the first wicket in the fourth over, dismissing Shayan Jahangir (17 runs off 18 balls), and Ghazanfar followed suit in the sixth over by taking out Sediqullah Atal (7 runs off 9 balls), leaving the Dubai Capitals at 35 for 2.

The situation worsened when Leus de Plooy was run out for 3 runs, and Dan Mousley claimed the wicket of Rovman Powell (8 runs off 4 balls) in the eighth over. Arab Gul also contributed by trapping Jordan Cox, leaving the Capitals struggling at 53 for 5 after ten overs.

James Neesham (21 runs off 14 balls) attempted to boost the scoring with three boundaries but was dismissed by Ghazanfar, who also took out David Willey (2 runs off 2 balls) in the same over.

At 83 for 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, while UAE's Zahoor Khan conceded just five runs in the final over, capping off a strong performance from MI Emirates.

Allah Ghazanfar, named 'Player of the Match', remarked, "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 and it created the opportunity."

Dubai Capitals captain Mohammad Nabi acknowledged, "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. The conditions in Dubai suit us, and we hope to bounce back strongly in the next match."

Brief Scores:

MI Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals by eight wickets.

Dubai Capitals: 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: 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.