By Anas Ahmed 
MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran delivered a stellar performance to guide his team to a commanding five-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the ILT20 Season 3 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. Pooran’s unbeaten 58 off 37 balls, combined with a solid team effort, helped MI Emirates secure their first victory of the season in Dubai.
Despite James Vince’s captain’s knock of 86 off 50 deliveries, Gulf Giants fell short as MI Emirates successfully chased down 174 in the final over.
Vince Leads Giants’ Charge but Lacks Support
After being put in to bat, Gulf Giants started aggressively with Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince finding boundaries early. However, Akeal Hosein struck in the third over, dismissing Erasmus for 12.
James Vince continued his fluent form, forming a 51-run stand with Jordan Cox. MI Emirates managed to break the partnership in the 10th over, with Alzarri Joseph dismissing Cox for 21.
Vince, however, stayed firm, accelerating in the final overs with support from Shimron Hetmyer (15 off 11 balls). The Giants looked set for a massive total when Vince unleashed his power, smashing 19 runs in the 16th over. But just as he eyed a century, MI Emirates’ bowlers hit back, removing Hetmyer and Vince in quick succession.
With Tim David (10) and Chris Jordan (10) adding late contributions**, Gulf Giants posted 173/6 in 20 overs.
MI Emirates Overcome Early Stumbles in the Chase
The chase started at a blistering pace, with Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem hammering boundaries. Their 44-run opening stand in quick time set the tone before Waseem fell for 26 off 10 balls.
Tom Banton (11) and Kusal Perera (1) departed cheaply, with Blessing Muzarabani impressing (1/17 in 4 overs). Fletcher, who looked steady at the crease, was cleaned up for 31, leaving MI Emirates needing 71 off the final five overs.
Pooran’s Calmness Under Pressure Seals Victory
With the required run rate climbing, Pooran and Bevon Jacobs launched a counterattack, putting together a 53-run stand off 33 balls. Jacobs perished for 18, but Pooran kept his cool, with Romario Shepherd providing valuable support.
The MI Emirates skipper reached his fifty in the 18th over, shifting the pressure onto the Giants. In the final over, with six runs needed, Pooran finished in style, launching a huge six over cow corner, securing a thrilling win for his team.
Post-Match Reactions
Player of the Match, Nicholas Pooran, said:
“I knew I had to stay till the end and finish the job. With experience, I have learned to absorb pressure and back myself in these situations.”
Gulf Giants captain, James Vince, admitted:
“We felt it wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on. Our bowlers had some turn, but we missed key chances, and it cost us.”
Brief Scores
Gulf Giants – 173/6 in 20 overs (James Vince – 86, Shimron Hetmyer – 15, Muhammad Rohid Khan – 2 for 36, Waqar Salamkheil 1 for 23)
MI Emirates – 174/5 in 19.1 overs (Nicholas Pooran – 58 not out, Andre Fletcher – 31, Romario Shepherd – 23 not out, Aayan Khan – 2 for 9, Blessing Muzarabani – 1 for 17.)
Player of the match – Nicholas Pooran
MI Emirates beat Gulf Giants by five wickets
Zainab Shafiq