MI Emirates Clinch First Win of ILT20 2025 Season Against Dubai Capitals
The MI Emirates celebrated their inaugural victory in the ILT20 2025 season with a solid 26-run win over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran’s impressive half-centuries paved the way for a formidable total, while Fazalhaq Farooqi’s excellent bowling performance sealed the match.
Despite a valiant century from Shai Hope, who scored 101 off 59 balls, the Dubai Capitals fell short, finishing their innings at 161 runs. This marked the Capitals’ first loss to the Emirates in the tournament’s history.
Match Summary
Chasing a target of 188, the Capitals began cautiously, but a dropped catch allowed Hope to anchor the innings. Although Hope smashed his fifty off just 32 balls and partnered with McMullen for a 61-run stand, his dismissal shifted the momentum towards the Emirates.
Farooqi’s remarkable over, which saw him take two wickets in quick succession, further tilted the scales. Zahoor Khan’s economical bowling in the penultimate over left the Capitals needing an insurmountable 36 runs in the final over, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Earlier, the MI Emirates posted a competitive total of 187 for 7, with Banton scoring a well-paced 74 off 52 balls and Pooran providing fireworks with his explosive 59 off just 29 deliveries. Their partnership was crucial in establishing a challenging target for the Capitals.
Player Highlights
Tom Banton was named Player of the Match for his anchoring role, commenting, “It was tricky at the start, but we had spoken about someone batting through. I’m glad I could contribute to the team’s first win.”
Reflecting on the loss, Shai Hope admitted, “A hundred always feels sweeter when it contributes to a win. Unfortunately, we fell short with the bat today.”
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The victory gives MI Emirates a much-needed boost as they look forward to building on this performance in the upcoming matches of the season.
