By Anas Ahmed 
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders cruised to an emphatic 42-run victory over the MI Emirates in Season 3 of the DP World ILT20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Friday evening. With this win, the Knight Riders jumped to third place on the points table. Alishan Sharafu’s scintillating knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
Sharafu Leads the Charge with Bat
After opting to bat first, the Knight Riders faced an early setback as Kyle Mayers (11) and Michael-Kyle Pepper (0) fell in consecutive deliveries to Alzarri Joseph during the powerplay. Despite the shaky start, Andries Gous (27) and Charith Asalanka (32) steadied the innings with a vital 41-run stand.
It was Alishan Sharafu’s arrival that truly changed the tempo. Partnering with Roston Chase, Sharafu began to accelerate, delivering a flurry of exquisite shots. Their 72-run partnership off just 39 balls set the stage for a late flourish. Chase retired on 20, making way for Andre Russell, who smashed a six but was bowled on the very next ball.
Sharafu reached his well-deserved half-century before finishing with an impressive 55 off 31 deliveries, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Jason Holder added the finishing touches, smashing an unbeaten 22 off just 7 balls to guide the Knight Riders to a competitive 182/7 in 20 overs.
MI Emirates’ Struggles in the Chase
Chasing 183, the MI Emirates endured a disastrous start. Kyle Mayers, returning with the ball, wreaked havoc, dismissing Kusal Perera (9), Nicholas Pooran (1), and another key batter to leave the Emirates reeling at 36/4 in the powerplay. David Willey also chipped in by dismissing Tom Banton (1), further denting the Emirates’ hopes.
While wickets tumbled at one end, Kieron Pollard and Dan Mousley tried to revive the innings with a steady fifth-wicket partnership. Mousley managed 17 before gloving a catch to the keeper, leaving Pollard as the lone warrior.
Pollard brought up his half-century in style, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. However, he lacked support from the other end, with Romario Shepherd (9) falling to Jason Holder. Pollard remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, but the Emirates fell short, finishing at 140/8 in their 20 overs.
Post-Match Comments
Player of the Match – Alishan Sharafu:
“This one felt special. I hadn’t performed well in the earlier games, so it was great to contribute today. The wicket was slow initially, but after settling in, I was able to capitalize.”
MI Emirates Captain – Nicholas Pooran:
“Losing four wickets in the powerplay made the chase very difficult. Credit to their partnerships, which pushed the game beyond our reach.”
Brief Scores
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 182/7 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu – 55, Charith Asalanka – 32, Jason Holder – 22 not out, Alzarri Joseph – 3 for 32, Fazalhaq Farooqi – 1 for 27)
MI Emirates 140/6 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard – 69 not out, Muhammad Waseem – 19, Kyle Mayers – 3 for 25, Jason Holder – 2 for 28)
Player of the match: Alishan Sharafu
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders beat MI Emirates by 42 runs
Zainab Shafiq