MI Emirates overpower Dubai Capitals to emerge ILT20 champions

MI Emirates’ run riot overpowered Dubai Capitals by 45 runs to emerge as the brand new champions of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 in Dubai.

Nicholas Pooran scored a breezy unbeaten captain’s knock of 57 runs off 27 balls. He was backed by Andre Fletcher’s 53 off 37 balls.

Openers Muhammad Waseem and his associate Kusal Perera contributed aggressively, with Waseem scoring 43 off 24 balls, and Perera including 38 off 26 balls, resulting in a 77-run opening partnership and serving to MI Emirates set a document rating of 208 for 3 in 20 overs.

In reply, Capitals may muster solely 163 for 7 in 20 overs with Trent Boult and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth bagging two wicket every.

MI Emirates’ skipper Nicholas Pooran, after receiving the Player of the Match, hailed his openers for setting the stage for the victory. “Truly particular to be the person of the match within the last. We spoke about having the suitable power and angle. I could not have requested for a greater begin, they (openers) did the onerous work, we simply completed it off. It’s about understanding the state of affairs and batting accordingly.”

Losing captain Sam Billings was sporting in his defeat and stated: “Always regret when you lose. As captain, I’m go to bed thinking where it went wrong. But they were brilliant, Nicholas Pooran in that mood is very difficult to play against. Maybe they scored 20-25 runs too many. One of the best things about playing cricket in different places is experiencing different cultures. The UAE players have all been impressive. Really happy to see them improve.” 

Sikandar Raza who gained essentially the most precious participant award stated: “Quite a proud and humbling moment for me. It has been a journey, it is the reward for a lot of sacrifice, hard work, and pain. I just want to say thank you to all those who have prayed for me in these last two years, especially during my illness. I like to be in the position where the skipper can bank on me to bowl four overs every time. Thirteen wickets in the tournament feels like the hard work is coming through; we can only get better.”

MI Emirates obtained the winners’ prize of a whopping $700,000, whereas the runners-up obtained $300,000.

James Vince of Gulf Giants took residence the Green Belt for “highest run-getter”, whereas Waqar Salamkheil bagged the White Belt for “highest wicket-taker”. Muhammad Waseem gained the Blue Belt for the very best UAE participant for the second yr in a row, whereas Sikandar Raza bagged the Red Belt for the Most Value Player. All of them obtained $15,000 every.

DP World Biggest six was awarded to Andre Fletcher whereas DP World Most 6s of the season was gained by Nicholas Pooran. The Cycle Hub Catch of the season went to Sam Billings for his one-handed effort on the slip to dismiss Will Smeed in Match No2.  

Final scores:
MI Emirates 208 for 3 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 43, Kusal Perera 38, Andre Fletcher 53, Nicholas Pooran 57n.o)
Dubai Capitals  163 for 7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 35, Sam Billings 40, Jason Holder 24, Trent Boult 2 for 20, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2 for twenty-four)