Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/14) and Kamindu Mendis (3/21) set up a straightforward chase as Jonny Bairstow’s 49* guides Emirates to a 7-wicket win in the ILT20.
ABU DHABI — A clinical bowling performance followed by a composed chase saw MI Emirates secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their DP World ILT20 clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The win, achieved with 37 balls to spare, lifts MI Emirates to third place in the standings with four points from their opening four matches.
Bowlers Set the Stage
After being asked to field, the Emirates’ attack dismantled the Knight Riders’ batting lineup, bowling them out for 122 in 19.3 overs. Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi was the chief destroyer, finishing with exceptional figures of 4 for 14. He was ably supported by Kamindu Mendis, who claimed 3 for 21 with his deceptive spin.
Only Alishan Sharafu (38) and Sunil Narine (26) offered prolonged resistance for the Knight Riders, as regular wickets prevented any significant partnership.
“The pitch was a bit slow, so I wanted to land the ball in the right areas and mix up the pace,” said Mendis, who was named Player of the Match.
Emirates Cruise in Response
In reply, opener Muhammad Waseem provided immediate momentum with a blistering 27 from just 12 balls. England star Jonny Bairstow then steered the chase with an unbeaten 49 off 38 deliveries, sealing the win comfortably in the 14th over.
Captains’ Reactions
MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard praised his team’s professional response after a previous defeat. “We needed those points… Today was a professional effort from everyone,” he said.
A disappointed Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain, Jason Holder, pointed to his team’s lack of batting consistency. “122 was never going to be enough… Execution has been our biggest issue — we’ve lacked consistency,” he admitted.
Brief Scores:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 122 all out in 19.3 overs (Sharafu 38, Narine 26; Farooqi 4/14, Mendis 3/21)
MI Emirates: 123/3 in 13.5 overs (Bairstow 49*, Waseem 27, Banton 29)
Result: MI Emirates won by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Kamindu Mendis (MI Emirates)
