Abu Dhabi, January 13, 2025:  MI Emirates clinched a convincing 26-run victory against the Dubai Capitals in their opening game of the DP World ILT20 season at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday evening. Stellar half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran, combined with key bowling performances, propelled the Emirates side to a decisive win.

Despite a breathtaking 101 off 59 balls from Shai Hope, his valiant effort wasn’t enough to rescue the Dubai Capitals. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s game-changing over, where he claimed two wickets for just three runs, proved pivotal in tilting the match firmly in MI Emirates’ favor.

Chasing a challenging target of 188, the Capitals began with a spin gamble as Akeal Hosein took the new ball for MI Emirates. Although a dropped catch by Waqar Salamkheil in the third over gave Hope an early reprieve, it didn’t stop Alzarri Joseph from dismissing Ben Dunk in the powerplay. Hope, undeterred, carried the Capitals’ innings with authority, reaching his half-century in just 32 balls.

Hope and Brandon McMullen forged a 61-run stand for the second wicket before McMullen fell to a stumping off Salamkheil. Hope powered on, smashing AM Ghazanfar for a six and a four to complete his second T20 career century—a first for a Dubai Capitals player and only the third in DP World ILT20 history. However, his dismissal on the very next ball triggered a collapse.

Farooqi’s precision bowling dismantled the Capitals’ chase as he delivered two toe-crushing yorkers to dismiss Sikandar Raza and Dasun Shanaka in back to back succession. Zahoor Khan then tightened the screws with a miserly 19th over, leaving the Capitals needing an improbable 36 runs in the final over. Ultimately, the Capitals managed just 161-6 in their 20 overs.

Earlier in the match, MI Emirates overcame an early blow as Dushmantha Chameera bowled Kusal Perera with the very first ball of the game. Tom Banton’s 74 off 52 balls and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 59 off just 29 deliveries anchored the Emirates’ innings.

Banton, who weathered the initial pressure, brought up his fifty with a massive six and continued to build momentum. Pooran’s power-hitting stole the show during the 15th over, where he hammered Olly Stone for three consecutive sixes before falling while attempting a fourth. Late contributions from Kieron Pollard and Romario Shepherd ensured MI Emirates reached 187-7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Post-Match Reactions

Reflecting on the game, Shai Hope expressed mixed emotions: “A hundred always feels a lot sweeter when you’re on the winning side. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t take the team over the line. The pitch played well, and we did a good job to restrict them under 200, but we fell short with the bat.”

Player of the Match Tom Banton was pleased with his contribution: “It was tricky at the start, but we knew someone had to bat through the innings. I’ve played a lot of cricket here, and the wickets are always good. It’s my first year here, and I’m glad I could step up today.”

Score Summary:

MI Emirates 187-7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 74, Nicholas Pooran 59, Gulbadin Naib 3-27)
Dubai Capitals 161-6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 101, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-22)

With this emphatic win, MI Emirates have set a strong tone for the season, while Dubai Capitals will look to regroup and bounce back in their next encounter.

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