MI Emirates produced a remarkable late turnaround to beat the Dubai Capitals by seven runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, successfully defending a modest total of 137 in the DP World ILT20.

Jonny Bairstow’s fluent half-century laid the foundation, but it was a collective bowling effort, led by Rashid Khan, that turned the match on its head after the Capitals appeared firmly in control of the chase.

Chasing 138, the Capitals made a confident start despite losing Leus du Plooy early. Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox kept the scoreboard moving, racing to 51 inside the powerplay and putting the Capitals well ahead of the required rate.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically once Rashid Khan entered the attack. Jahangir was outfoxed soon after the powerplay, triggering a collapse that saw the Capitals lose wickets at regular intervals. Rashid removed Rovman Powell before Kamindu Mendis cleaned up captain Dasun Shanaka, reducing the Capitals to 94 for four in the 14th over.

With the asking rate climbing, pressure mounted on Cox, who had anchored the innings. His dismissal in the 18th over — followed swiftly by Mohammad Nabi — proved decisive as Naveen-ul-Haq and Romario Shepherd closed out the innings. The Capitals were eventually bowled out for 130.

Earlier, MI Emirates were kept quiet in the powerplay by disciplined new-ball bowling from the Capitals. Bairstow broke free after the seventh over, launching a counterattack that included a 30-ball half-century, highlighted by eight fours and three sixes.

Muhammad Jawadullah struck twice in quick succession to remove Bairstow and Nicholas Pooran, while Mustafizur Rahman ripped through the middle and lower order. An unbeaten cameo from Romario Shepherd helped MI Emirates reach 137 for eight.

Rashid Khan, named Player of the Match for his two-wicket spell, praised the team effort. “Today was a proper team performance, especially with the ball and in the field,” he said.

The win takes MI Emirates to six points and lifts them into third place on the Season 4 points table, replacing the Dubai Capitals.