Bold summary: MI Emirates clinched a seven-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, driven by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 4-14 and Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 49, as they moved into third place in ILT20 Season 4.
MI Emirates dominated at Zayed Cricket Stadium, restricting ADKR to 122 thanks to Farooqi’s four wickets and Kamindu Mendis’ three. In reply, Bairstow anchored the chase with a flawless 49 not out, supported by Tom Banton’s 29 and early fireworks from Muhammad Waseem, who hit 27 off 12 with three sixes in one over. Despite solid starts from Phil Salt, Alex Hales, and a stubborn 38 from Alishan Sharafu and 26 from Sunil Narine, ADKR couldn’t sustain momentum as MI Emirates’ bowlers kept the pressure.
Key performances and quotes:
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: 4 for 14, running through the ADKR lineup and setting the tone for the chase.
- Kamindu Mendis: three wickets, tightening the noose in the middle overs.
- Jonny Bairstow: an undefeated 49 that guided MI Emirates to the target with ease.
- MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard: emphasized the importance of those points and praised the team’s rebound after being asked to defend a modest total.
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder: acknowledged the difficulty of 122 chasing, noting that dew then aided batting and that several starts didn’t convert into big scores.
Brief scores recap:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 122/9 in 19.3 overs (Alishan Sharafu 38, Sunil Narine 26, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4-14, Kamindu Mendis 3-21)
- MI Emirates: 123/3 in 13.5 overs (Jonny Bairstow 49*, Tom Banton 29, Muhammad Waseem 27, Jason Holder 1-11, Ajay Kumar 1-30)
Why this matters: The win elevates MI Emirates to third in the standings, showcasing a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball. Farooqi’s spell proved decisive, while Bairstow’s composed finishing touch sealed the result with authority.
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