MI Emirates unleashed a bowling rampage, skittling out Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for a measly 95 and romping home to a dominant nine-wicket victory in the sixth match of DP World ILT20 Season 2.
Boult Blazes, Hosein Harmonizes: Trent Boult (3-14) ripped through the Knight Riders’ top order, ably supported by Akeal Hosein (2-21). Andre Russell’s lone fight (48 off 25) couldn’t prevent the collapse as Muhammad Rohid Khan (3-25) cleaned up the tail.
Waseem and Pooran Pace Chase: Openers Muhammad Waseem (26*) and Kusal Perera (22) began the chase aggressively. Skipper Nicholas Pooran then took over, smashing an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls with five sixes, sealing the win with 71 balls remaining.
Knight Riders’ Batting Blunder: Disaster struck early for Knight Riders after opting to bat. They lost half their side for just 22 runs within the powerplay. Alishan Sharafu (10) and Andries Gous (3) fell cheaply, while Boult dismantled the middle order.
Russell Resists, But in Vain: Andre Russell tried to salvage the innings with some lusty blows, but the damage was already done. Skipper Sunil Narine and Ravi Bopara fell cheaply, and wickets kept tumbling as Knight Riders finished well short of 100.
Pooran Praises Bowling, Narine Urges Forgetfulness: A jubilant Nicholas Pooran credited the bowlers for the win, while Sunil Narine called for swift amnesia after a forgettable performance.
MI Emirates on Top: This emphatic victory catapults MI Emirates to the top of the ILT20 table, brimming with confidence heading into their next game.
Post Match Presentation Ceremony Quotes:
- MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran: “We wanted to win this game and respond after the first game. The guys accepted the challenge. Boult bowled amazingly. Hopefully, we can be consistent, keep our feet on the ground, and come out for the next game with the same, consistent mindset.”
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Sunil Narine: “When you lose four wickets in the powerplay, you are on the back foot. The key to this game was to soak up the pressure and accumulate. You’ve got to get it out of the way tonight and forget it as soon as possible because we have a game in two days. They are senior guys, and they will know where they went wrong.”
Brief scores:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 95 in 14.1 overs (Andre Russell 48, Akeal Hosein 2 for 21, Trent Boult 3 for 14, Muhammad Rohid Khan 3 for 25) MI Emirates 96 for 1 in 8.1 overs (Muhammad Waseem 26n.o, Kusal Perera 22, Nicholas Pooran 39n.0)
Player of the Match: Trent Boult
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 9 wickets.
