MI Emirates confirmed a top-two finish in the International League T20 standings with a composed eight-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals, chasing down a modest target without significant resistance. The result underlined MI Emirates’ balance and consistency as the league stage draws to a close.
After being asked to bat first, Dubai Capitals struggled to build momentum against a disciplined bowling performance. Early boundaries provided a brief spark, but once the spinners were introduced, scoring became increasingly difficult. The middle overs proved costly as wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any sustained partnership.
Spin played a decisive role in the innings, with MI Emirates tightening the screws and forcing errors. Dubai Capitals slipped to a precarious position midway through the innings and never fully recovered. A short late stand helped them cross the 120-run mark, but the total remained below par on a surface offering reasonable value for shots.
In reply, MI Emirates set the tone immediately. The openers capitalised on loose deliveries in the powerplay, ensuring the required rate never posed a challenge. Although a couple of wickets fell during the middle phase, the chase stayed firmly on track.
The defining moment arrived when Kieron Pollard launched a counterattack that removed any remaining uncertainty. His clean striking turned the contest decisively in MI Emirates’ favour, leaving only a handful of runs to be completed with ample overs in hand.
MI Emirates crossed the finish line with ease, closing out the chase well before the final overs. The victory highlighted their bowling control, sharp game awareness, and depth in the batting order as they head into the knockout stage with momentum.
Match Summary
| Match | Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates |
|---|---|
| Result | MI Emirates won by 8 wickets |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Scorecard Overview
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Capitals | 122/8 | 20.0 |
| MI Emirates | 126/2 | 16.4 |
Notable Performances
| Player | Contribution |
|---|---|
| AM Ghazanfar | Three wickets that stalled Dubai Capitals’ middle order |
| Kieron Pollard | Unbeaten innings that decisively finished the chase |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Economical spell that applied early pressure |
Conclusion
The comprehensive win ensured MI Emirates ended the league phase strongly, securing second place with a performance built on control and clarity. Dubai Capitals, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities as they look ahead to regrouping beyond the league stage.
