Abu Dhabi
MI Emirates sealed a top-two finish in the ILT20 with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals, confirming their place in Qualifier 1 after another all-round performance led by skipper Kieron Pollard.
After choosing to field, MI Emirates relied on their spinners to put the opposition under pressure. Allah Ghazanfar continued his fine form with three wickets for 28 runs, while experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan bowled a tight spell of one for 11 in four overs. Their combined effort restricted Dubai Capitals to a modest 122 for eight.
The Capitals struggled to build momentum after early setbacks. Shakib removed opener Shayan Jahangir in the fourth over, and Ghazanfar followed by dismissing Sediqullah Atal. A run-out of Leus de Plooy and the wicket of Rovman Powell further hurt the innings. Jordan Cox was also trapped in front, leaving the Capitals five down for 53 and unable to recover.
Chasing a small target, MI Emirates started positively. Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher added quick runs at the top, helping the team reach 59 for two at the halfway stage. From there, the chase remained firmly under control.
Pollard anchored the innings alongside Tom Banton before taking charge in emphatic fashion. The MI Emirates captain smashed 30 runs off a single over from Waqar Salamkheil, effectively ending the contest. Pollard remained unbeaten on 44 from 31 balls, striking one boundary and five towering sixes.
An unbroken 67-run partnership between Pollard and Banton guided MI Emirates home comfortably, registering their fifth consecutive win of the season. The result confirmed their qualification for Qualifier 1, where they will face Desert Vipers on December 30.
With strong bowling depth and powerful finishing, MI Emirates appear well placed heading into the business end of the tournament.