By Himadullah Sohoo Dominant MI Emirates Storm into ILT20 Playoffs with Clinical Victory over Desert Vipers
- Kusal Perera’s 65 and Nicholas Pooran’s late blitz power MI Emirates to 188/5.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi’s four-wicket haul dismantles Desert Vipers’ chase, restricting them to 158/8.
- MI Emirates become the first team to secure a playoff spot in ILT20 Season 2.
MI Emirates continued their winning streak in the DP World ILT20 Season 2, crushing the Desert Vipers by 30 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium to become the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
Solid Batting Performance Sets the Stage
MI Emirates posted a competitive 188/5 on the board, thanks to a solid batting display. Kusal Perera top-scored with a fluent 65, while Nicholas Pooran provided a late flourish with a quickfire 39. Ambati Rayudu chipped in with a valuable 44.
Farooqi’s Bowling Masterclass Dismantles Desert Vipers Chase
Desert Vipers’ chase never gained momentum as MI Emirates’ bowlers, led by the impressive Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/31), kept them in check. Farooqi picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals, including a four-wicket haul, to restrict the Vipers to 158/8.
MI Emirates Celebrate, Look Ahead to Playoffs
With this victory, MI Emirates cemented their position at the top of the table and became the first team to book their place in the playoffs. They will be looking to continue their winning form and lift the trophy in the upcoming matches.
Post Match Quotes:
- Kusal Perera, MI Emirates top scorer: “We got a good score on the board. We always look to make the most of the powerplay. Rayudu and I set the foundation, and Pooran finished things off well.”
- Fawad Ahmed, MI Emirates captain: “This is a great achievement for the team. We’ve been playing some good cricket, and we’re happy to be in the playoffs.”
Brief Scores:
MI Emirates 188 for 5 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 65, Ambati Rayudu 44, Nicholas Pooran 39, Mohd Amir 2 for 29); Desert Vipers 158 for 8 in 20 overs (Ali Naseer 63 n.o, Luke Wood 30, Azam Khan 19, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4 for 31)
MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 30 runs.
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq