ILT20 2025, Match 29 Review: AM Ghazanfar, batters shine in MI Emirates' comfortable win

MI Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals in the 29th match of the International League T20 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, sealing a comfortable eight-wicket win to confirm a second-place finish on the points table and secure their Qualifier 1 spot.

MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The Capitals’ openers struggled in the power play, managing just 35 runs for the loss of two wickets. Shakib Al Hasan and AM Ghazanfar kept things tight with the ball, removing Shayan Jahangir and Sediqullah Atal to put the opposition on the back foot. Leus du Plooy was run out, followed by Rovman Powell’s dismissal soon after.

Furthermore, Jordan Cox was trapped lbw shortly after, reducing the Capitals to 52/5 inside ten overs. James Neesham showed intent with three consecutive boundaries, but Ghazanfar removed him thanks to a sensational return catch and struck again to send back David Willey in the same over.

Mohammad Nabi attempted to stabilise the innings with his unbeaten 22, but got barely any support at the other end as Dubai Capitals were restricted to an under-par 122/8. Notably, MI Emirates’ spinners did the most damage, conceding only 82 runs in their 14 overs combined while claiming six wickets.

Chasing 123, Muhammad Waseem provided a solid start, scoring 27 off 19 before being lbw, while Andre Fletcher held an end up but failed to accelerate before being run out.

Eventually, Tom Banton and Pollard took it on themselves, adding a match-winning partnership to take their team home. Banton stood unbeaten on 28 off 20, while Pollard displayed his might with five sixes in his unbeaten 44 from 31.

The Capitals’ bowlers could not find wickets, with Waqar Salamkheil and David Willey giving runs with both hands, as MI Emirates reached the target with eight wickets and 20 balls to spare.