MI Emirates booked their place in Qualifier 1 of the DP World ILT20 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The win ensured a top-two finish for MI Emirates, who will now face the Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1 on December 30.
With the league stage nearing its conclusion, the remaining playoff picture will be decided after Sunday’s clash between the Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The winner of that match will take on the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1.
Spinners Set the Platform
Opting to field first, MI Emirates produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the Dubai Capitals to 122/8. The spin duo of Allah Ghazanfar and Shakib Al Hasan proved decisive, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs.
Ghazanfar delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 28, while Shakib was miserly, conceding just 11 runs in four overs and picking up a crucial wicket. Early breakthroughs left the Capitals struggling at 35/2, and regular wickets ensured they never gained momentum.
Despite brief resistance from James Neesham (21 off 14) and a late stand between Mohammad Nabi and Scott Currie, MI Emirates maintained control. Nabi remained unbeaten, but Zahoor Khan’s economical final over capped a strong all-round bowling effort.
Pollard Powers the Chase
In response, MI Emirates made light work of the modest target, led by skipper Kieron Pollard, who played a vintage innings. Pollard remained unbeaten on 44 off 31 balls, smashing five sixes and a boundary to finish the chase in style.
Openers Muhammad Waseem (27 off 19) and Andre Fletcher (21 off 30) provided a brisk start, racing to 45 without loss at the end of the powerplay. Although Waseem was dismissed in the seventh over and Fletcher was later run out, the chase was never in doubt.
Pollard and Tom Banton (28 off 20)* then took complete control. The turning point came in the 14th over when Pollard hammered 30 runs off Waqar Salamkheil, including three consecutive sixes, virtually sealing the contest. The pair shared an unbeaten 67-run partnership, guiding MI Emirates home comfortably.
Post-Match Reactions
Allah Ghazanfar was named Player of the Match and credited preparation for his success:
“I stayed true to my plans and trusted my variations. As a finger spinner, execution is key, and the hard work behind the scenes really paid off.”
Dubai Capitals captain Mohammad Nabi admitted his side fell short:
“We didn’t put enough runs on the board, and MI Emirates bowled very well. Pollard took the game away from us, but we’ll look to bounce back strongly.”
What’s Next
Qualifier 1: MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – December 30
Eliminator: Dubai Capitals vs Winner of Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – January 1
With five consecutive wins and strong momentum, MI Emirates enter the playoffs as serious title contenders, while Dubai Capitals now face a must-win scenario in the Eliminator.
