MI Emirates became the second team to qualify for the ILT20 playoffs after a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Gulf Giants, reaching the target with 21 balls to spare at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Shakib Al Hasan played his part with a disciplined bowling performance, conceding just 10 runs from two overs, as Emirates restricted the Giants to 141 for six after opting to field first.
The Bangladesh all-rounder was introduced in the opening over and, despite being struck for a six by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, quickly tightened his lines to concede only two further runs in the over. He returned after the powerplay and again applied the brakes, giving away just two runs, although a dropped catch at deep midwicket denied him a possible wicket and allowed Moeen Ali a reprieve.
Moeen made the most of that chance, anchoring the Giants’ innings with 51 off 48 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Kyle Mayers added 28, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 14, but no other batter crossed 30 as Emirates’ bowlers maintained control throughout.
Romario Shepherd and Fazalhaq Farooqi led the attack with two wickets each, while Zahoor Khan and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one apiece.
In reply, MI Emirates were briefly rocked early on, losing Jonny Bairstow (0 off 3) and Tom Banton (0 off 5) to slump to two for two inside the second over. However, an unbroken 140-run stand between Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem swiftly turned the contest on its head.
Pooran finished unbeaten on 69 from 49 balls, while Waseem struck an assured 59 not out off 42 deliveries to guide Emirates home in just 16.3 overs. Waseem was named player of the match for his decisive knock.
The victory confirmed MI Emirates’ place in the ILT20 playoffs and strengthened their grip on second position in the points table. Shakib, who had claimed the player-of-the-match award in the previous game against Desert Vipers, once again made an impact with his control, even without adding to his wicket tally.
