MI Emirates demonstrated their dominance over Sharjah Warriors with a compelling eight-wicket victory in the 18th match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Emirates' bowling unit, led by the spin duo of Waqar Salamkheil (3/18) and Akeal Hosein (2 /20), effectively curtailed the Warriors to a modest score of 129. Their spin mastery, coupled with Trent Boult's pace (two wickets for 29), stymied the Warriors' batting efforts.
Among the Sharjah Warriors, only Johnson Charles and Williams managed to counter the Emirates' bowling assault, scoring 29 runs and 35 runs respectively. Their efforts, however, were not sufficient to mount a significant challenge.
MI Emirates' batters explode in in Abu Dhabi
In response, MI Emirates showcased their batting prowess, swiftly achieving the target in just 11.1 overs. Opener Muhammad Waseem, captain of the UAE team, dazzled with a striking 37 runs off 13 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive batting, particularly against Chris Woakes and Mark Watt, set the tone for the chase. Kusal Perera complemented Waseem's efforts with a brisk 47 runs off 27 balls, propelling Emirates past the 50-run mark within three overs.
After Waseem's dismissal by Muhammad Jawadullah, Perera continued the onslaught before being bowled by James Fuller. The duo's rapid 80-run partnership laid the foundation for an easy win. Nicholas Pooran (24 not out off 9 balls) and Andre Fletcher (22 not out off 18 balls) then calmly guided MI Emirates to victory with an unbeaten partnership, leaving 53 balls to spare.
Nicholas Pooran's decision to bowl first pays rich dividends
The decision to bowl first, after winning the toss, paid off for MI Emirates as they restricted the Warriors early on. Despite a few aggressive shots from Charles and Niroshan Dickwella, the Emirates' bowlers, particularly Salamkheil and Hosein, managed to keep the Warriors' score in check. The Warriors struggled to maintain a steady flow of runs, with the Emirates' bowlers striking at regular intervals.
This comprehensive win for MI Emirates, following their previous match's 106-run victory over the same opponents, underscored their superiority in the league. The match highlighted the Emirates' balanced attack and efficient chase, setting a benchmark for their competitors in the tournament.
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