MI Emirates sealed their place in the DP World ILT20 Season 4 playoffs after cruising to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Gulf Giants at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
A disciplined bowling effort set the tone before Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem produced an unbeaten 140-run partnership to chase down 142 with 21 balls to spare, handing MI Emirates their fourth straight win.
Chasing a modest target, MI Emirates were reduced to 2 for 2 inside the first two overs after Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton fell cheaply. However, Pooran and Waseem steadied the innings, rotating strike smartly before shifting gears after the halfway mark.
Pooran led the acceleration, bringing up his half-century off 43 balls and finishing unbeaten on 69 from 49 deliveries, striking six sixes and three fours. Waseem followed with his first half-century of the season, scoring an assured 59 not out from 42 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
The pair added 84 runs in just 6.3 overs after the 10-over mark, sealing the chase comfortably in the 17th over.
Earlier, MI Emirates’ bowlers kept the Gulf Giants in check after opting to field. Romario Shepherd and Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early to leave the Giants 36 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.
Moeen Ali anchored the innings with a patient 51 off 48 balls, but struggled for momentum as tight spells from Arab Gul, Shakib Al Hasan, and Kieron Pollard dried up boundaries through the middle overs. Ali later found support from Kyle Mayers, who chipped in with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, helping the Giants post 141 for 6.
However, the total proved well below par on a good batting surface.
Named Player of the Match, Waseem said the focus was on surviving the early movement before building a partnership. “Once we got through the first few overs, we were able to play our natural game and wait for loose deliveries,” he said.
Gulf Giants captain James Vince admitted his side fell short with the bat. “We’re struggling to assess the right tempo when batting first. Losing early wickets hurt us again, and although we finished better, the damage was already done,” he said.
Brief scores:
Gulf Giants 141/6 in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 51, Kyle Mayers 28; Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/17, Romario Shepherd 2/36)
MI Emirates 142/2 in 16.3 overs (Nicholas Pooran 69, Muhammad Waseem 59)
Player of the Match: Muhammad Waseem
