In a lopsided encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, MI Emirates dismantled Abu Dhabi Knight Riders with a convincing 9-wicket victory in the International League T20. The match, held under the lights, showcased a stark contrast in the performance of the two teams as MI Emirates dictated the terms from the word go
Top-Order Collapse Derails the Abu Knight Riders
Put into bat first, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders suffered a catastrophic collapse, witnessing their top order crumble under the relentless attack of the MI Emirates bowlers. The mandatory Powerplay, designed for aggressive batting, turned disastrous for the Knight Riders as they managed only 22 runs while losing four wickets. Akeal Hosein started the proceedings with the wicket of Alishan Sharafu while Trent Boult was the wrecker in chief dismantling the Knight Riders’ top order. Boult also picked the key wicket of Andries Gous, who came into this game on the back of an unbeaten 95.
Akeal Hosein and Fazal Farooqi further dented the Knight Riders’ batting lineup with wickets in the middle. Muhammad Rohid took care of the lower order with 3 wickets. Andre Russell unleashed some big hits in a 36-run 10th-wicket partnership with Josh Little which took the Abu Dhabi based franchise to 95. If not for Andre Russell’s fighting knock of 48 the Knight Riders would’ve bundled out below 60 runs.
MI Emirates Clinical in the Run Chase
Chasing a target of 96, MI Emirates openers gave the team a blazing start. Muhammad Waseem greeted Josh Little with 2 fours and a six in the 2nd over while Kusal Perera similarly treated David Willey in the following over. Perera got out trying to after a full delivery hitting it straight to midon. Skipper Nicholas Pooran joined Waseem in the middle and looked to go big from the start.
Pooran tore down the Knight rider’s bowlers smashing 5 sixes in his knock. Muhammad Waseem’s unbeaten 26 and Pooran’s aggressive 39 not out steered MI Emirates to a comfortable victory in just 8.1 overs, with only one wicket down.
This victory took the MI Emirates to the top of the ladder with 2 victories in 3 games and boosted their NRR significantly. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders currently sit in 5th position with 1 victory in 2 games and this loss made a huge dent to their NRR(currently -2.30).
Knight Riders will take on the Dubai Capitals in their next fixture while Emirates locks horns with Sharjah Warriors on January 26 in Sharjah.