News by “Sana Ullah”
DUBAI: Nicholas Pooran’s explosive half-century, backed by a collective bowling display, propelled MI Emirates to victory in the International League (ILT20) 2024, securing a convincing 45-run win over Dubai Capitals in the championship clash.
Opting to bat first, MI Emirates posted an imposing total of 208/3 on the scoreboard, thanks to significant contributions from Andre Fletcher and Pooran.
Initially, openers Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera provided a solid foundation, forming a partnership of 77 runs.
Waseem, the aggressor in the duo, departed in the seventh over after a brisk 43 off 24 balls, including three boundaries and an equal number of sixes.
Perera then partnered briefly with Fletcher, adding 25 runs before his dismissal in the 12th over after scoring 38 from 26 deliveries, featuring six boundaries.
Captain Pooran joined Fletcher, bolstering MI Emirates’ innings with aggressive strokes.
The pair added 56 runs for the third wicket before Fletcher’s departure after a fine innings. He struck three boundaries and four sixes on his way to a 37-ball 53.
However, Pooran continued his assault, guiding MI Emirates to a commanding total with an unbeaten 57 off 27 balls, comprising two boundaries and six maximums.
In response, Dubai Capitals managed 163/7 in their 20 overs, falling short against MI Emirates in the ILT20 final.
The home team lacked significant contributions from their batsmen, with skipper Sam Billings top-scoring with a cautious 40, followed by Tom Banton (35) and Jason Holder (24).
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Trent Boult claimed two wickets each for MI Emirates, while Waqar Salamkheil, Muhammad Rohid, and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one wicket apiece.
