By Anas Ahmed 
Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher delivered a historic performance to guide MI Emirates to a mammoth 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers in the ILT20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Monday. The emphatic win marked the second-largest margin of victory in the league’s history, propelled by a record-breaking 198-run stand between the two openers.
Banton and Fletcher Rewrite Record Books
Electing to bat first, MI Emirates overcame an early setback when Muhammad Waseem fell to Mohammad Amir in the third over for 13. However, the stage was set for a batting masterclass.
Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher combined to construct the highest partnership for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil, amassing 198 runs. Fletcher, calm yet destructive, brought up his half-century off 32 balls, while Banton matched him shortly after with a 38-ball fifty.
Banton’s knock was particularly special as he smashed his way to his second century of the tournament, becoming the first batter in ILT20 history to achieve this milestone. His 105-run effort came off just 52 balls, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, including three consecutive maximums off Dan Lawrence. Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 off 50 balls, helping MI Emirates post a staggering 228/2, the second-highest team total in the league’s history.
Vipers Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a daunting target, the Desert Vipers struggled from the outset. Lutho Sipamla set the tone with an early wicket, dismissing Fakhar Zaman for seven. The Vipers never recovered as Muhammad Rohid (3/24) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (1/13) dismantled the top order, while Alzarri Joseph cleaned up the middle.
The Vipers collapsed to 32/5 within the powerplay and eventually folded for just 74 runs in 12.3 overs—matching the lowest total in the league’s history. Only two Vipers batters managed to reach double figures in an innings dominated by MI Emirates’ bowlers.
Post-Match Reflections
Player of the Match, Tom Banton, reflected on the special night:
“I knew staying longer would increase my chances. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we must keep pushing forward in this competitive tournament.”
Vipers’ stand-in captain Sam Curran chose to remain optimistic:
“We’ll reflect and move on quickly. Credit to Banton and Fletcher for playing outstanding innings. We’ll regroup for the next game.”
Brief Scores
MI Emirates 228/2 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96 not out, Muhammad Waseem 19, Mohammad Amir 1 for 36)
Desert Vipers 74/10 in 12.3 overs (Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11, Muhammad Rohid 3 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 17, Dan Mousley 2 for 8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 10)
MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
Zainab Shafiq