NEW DELHI: The MI Emirates defeated the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 28 runs thanks to a brilliant display with the bat and the ball at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.
Thanks in large part to players like Romario Shepherd and Nicholas Pooran, the MI Emirates were able to close the gap on the top team to just two points.
Alzarri Joseph and Shepherd each took two wickets to thwart the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ chase, while four of the MI Emirates’ bowlers were in excellent form that evening.
The MI Emirates got off to a strong start when they were asked to bat first, with openers Muhammad Waseem (38) and Kusal Perera making a strong stand at the top. The Sri Lankan Perera was the first to leave for 23 soon before the powerplay ended, following a 42-run partnership between the two players. Tom Banton entered, and he and Waseem made sure the MI Emirates maintained the run rate.
Banton was out for nine around the halfway point of the innings, while Waseem was out for 38 shortly after. Kieron Pollard replaced skipper Nicholas Pooran, but the seasoned right-hander struggled to get going and was eventually sent out for five by Ali Khan. With just over 6 overs remaining, the score was at 102/4.
Following Dan Mousley’s dismissal for six, Romario Shepherd joined his skipper for the innings’ last stretch. Jason Holder made a solid 49, but Pooran, who was hitting it cleanly, was almost at his half-century before he fell.
Shepherd was given more attention in the last few overs as a result. In order to end with an undefeated 38 from 13 deliveries, the powerful right-hander then moved through the gears and hammered three maximums and four boundaries. After slowing down for a few overs in the middle, the MI Emirates eventually reached 186/6.
With openers Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous attacking the MI Emirates bowlers, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders got off to a fast start. Before Dan Mousley ran him out with a brilliant bit of fielding, Mayers, who hit three sixes, scored 22 off 14 deliveries.
The MI Emirates seized control after that, finishing a 39-run partnership in the fourth over.
Following Joe Clarke’s dismissal by Akeal Hosein for three, Romario Shepherd took out Michael-Kyle Pepper for five and Alishan Sharafu for four. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were 56/4 at the conclusion of a thrilling Powerplay.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were further put under pressure after Waqar Salamkheil dismissed Laurie Evans for seven and Zahoor Khan caught Gous in the deep for thirty-four. Hopes of a recovery were raised when Sunil Narine and Andre Russell were called to the middle and embarked on a half-century stand.
But Narine was caught at cover for 13 in the 18th over, and David Willey was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the 19th. The MI Emirates won easily, and Russell, who was still undefeated at 37 from 23 deliveries, was unable to lead his team across the finish line.
