MI Emirates reigned supreme in the DP World ILT20 Season 2 final, crushing Dubai Capitals by 45 runs in a thrilling match at the Dubai International Stadium. A fiery batting display led by skipper Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher secured their maiden championship title.
Explosive Batting Sets the Stage
MI Emirates openers Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera laid the foundation with a blistering 77-run partnership. Waseem smashed 43 off 24 balls, while Perera contributed 38 off 26 balls. The duo’s aggressive intent set the tone for a mammoth total.
Pooran and Fletcher Take Over
After the openers’ departure, Pooran and Fletcher took center stage. Pooran unleashed his power, scoring an unbeaten 57 off just 27 balls, peppered with six sixes and two boundaries. Fletcher, equally destructive, hammered 53 off 37 balls, including four sixes and three boundaries. Their 56-run partnership propelled the score past 150 runs, putting MI Emirates in a commanding position.
Capitals Falter in the Chase
Chasing a record 209 for victory, Dubai Capitals struggled from the outset. Akeal Hosein’s early wicket sent shivers down their spine, and despite valiant efforts from Sam Billings (40) and Rovman Powell (24), the target proved insurmountable. Trent Boult and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth picked up two wickets each, restricting Capitals to 163 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Individual Accolades
James Vince of Gulf Giants earned the Green Belt for the highest run-scorer (356 runs), while Waqar Salamkheil bagged the White Belt for the most wickets (17) and Muhammad Waseem received the Blue Belt for the best UAE player. Sikandar Raza, who won the Red Belt for the Most Valuable Player, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting his journey and dedication to the sport.
Pooran Hails Team Effort
Nicholas Pooran, named Player of the Match, credited his teammates for the victory. “The openers did the hard work, and we just finished it off,” he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adapting to the situation.
Dubai Capitals Accept Defeat Gracefully
Losing captain Sam Billings acknowledged the strength of MI Emirates, particularly Pooran’s batting prowess. He expressed his admiration for the UAE players and their impressive development.
Brief scores:
MI Emirates 208 for 3 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 43, Kusal Perera 38, Andre Fletcher 53, Nicholas Pooran 57n.o) Dubai Capitals 163 for 7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 35, Sam Billings 40, Jason Holder 24, Trent Boult 2 for 20, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2 for 24)
Result: MI Emirates bt Dubai Capitals by 45 runs.
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran.
MI Emirates’ triumph marks the culmination of a thrilling season, showcasing the power of explosive batting and collective spirit.
