In the ultimate of the 2nd version of the ILT20, Mumbai Indians Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals by 45 runs to clinch their maiden title on February 18 (Saturday).
MI Emirates, captained by Nicholas Pooran, clinched their inaugural ILT20 title with a commanding 45-run triumph over Dubai Capitals within the closing at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 17. Choosing to discipline after successful the toss, Dubai Capitals confronted an electrifying begin from MI Emirates’ openers Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera, who scored aggressively within the powerplay, reaching 72 runs after six overs. Zahir Khan’s early breakthrough eliminated Waseem, however Andre Fletcher continued the onslaught.
At the midway mark, MI Emirates stood at 97/1, with Sikandar Raza dismissing Perera. Fletcher and Pooran navigated the center overs cautiously, taking calculated dangers. Fletcher reached his half-century with a flurry of boundaries and sixes however was later dismissed by Olly Stone. Pooran, nevertheless, unleashed a spectacular end, smashing sixes, together with a 110m monster hit off Jason Holder. MI Emirates concluded their innings at an imposing 208/3, with Pooran unbeaten on 57 off 27 balls.
In the run chase, Dubai Capitals confronted early setbacks, shedding Leu du Plooy to Akeal Hosein’s lbw for a duck. Tom Abell struggled, dropping twice, however finally succumbed to Muhammat Khan’s slower supply. Despite some resistance from Tom Banton and Sam Billings, Viyaskanth dismissed Banton off a large ball. Pooran accomplished a straightforward stumping. The opener scored 35 runs from 20 balls.
Billings tried to get the run chase again on monitor however Raza faltered. He turned Viyaskanth’s second sufferer of the night after scoring simply 10 runs from 13 balls. Although Billings tried to stabilize the innings, Salamkheil dismissed him for 40 runs. Holder’s late efforts had been in useless as Boult’s essential wickets within the penultimate over secured MI Emirates’ victory with Dubai Capitals posting 163/7, falling quick by 45 runs.
