Sports

India must work on batting depth after Windies loss, says Dravid

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2023

Staff Reporter

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AFP

India must improve their batting depth with the 50-overs World Cup on the horizon, coach Rahul Dravid said after his team lost their Twenty20 series against the West Indies 3-2 in Florida on Sunday.

A young Indian side missing several big names battled back from 0-2 down in the five-match series but crashed to an eight-wicket defeat at Lauderhill, with opener Brandon King helping West Indies chase down the victory target with an unbeaten 85.

Suryakumar Yadav hit 61 off 45 balls but had little support from the middle and lower order as India posted a modest 165-9 in 20 overs. The West Indies finished 171-2 from 18 overs with Nicholas Pooran (47) supporting King.

Dravid said mistakes were made in the series but was hopeful that their one-day team would fare better in the World Cup, which India will host from October 5 to November 19.

“Our one-day team is really different to the squad that we had here. But yeah, it didn’t allow us the flexibility to change the combinations a little bit,” Dravid told reporters.

“But going forward, we’ve got to look at certain areas in which we can get better. Finding depth in our batting has been an area we’re trying to address.

“As these games go on, scores are becoming bigger … even the West Indies had Alzarri Joseph coming in at number 11 and he can hit a mean ball. You have sides that have depth. We’ve got some challenges on that front.”

Dravid said India showed courage to level the series after a poor start but their batsmen could have done better throughout.

“But that can happen. It’s a young team, a developing team so there are going to be times when we have our ups and downs,” he added. “Of course we’re disappointed. To be able to win from 0-2 down would have been special.”

DP World ILT20: MI Emirates bounce back in style as Farooqi, Bairstow lead the charge

Published

22 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

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MI Emirates delivered a clinical all-round performance to seal a convincing seven-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, with left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and opener Jonny Bairstow leading the charge.

Farooqi was the standout performer with the ball, ripping through ADKR’s top order with a superb 4-for that never allowed the hosts to settle. His early breakthroughs set the tone for MI Emirates as ADKR struggled to build momentum, eventually posting a below-par total.

Chasing the target, MI Emirates showed confidence from the outset. Bairstow anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 49, mixing clean hitting with smart rotation of strike. His calm presence ensured the chase stayed on track, while contributions from the middle order helped wrap up the match with plenty of balls to spare.

The win marks MI Emirates’ third victory of the season and a timely boost to their campaign. For ADKR, the search for consistency continues as they look to bounce back in their next outing.

With form on their side and key players stepping up, MI Emirates will be eyeing another strong showing when they return to action later this week.

Brief Scores:
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 122 in 19.3 overs (Alishan Sharafu 38, Sunil Narine 26, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4 for 14, Kamindu Mendis 3 for 21)

MI Emirates 123/3 in 13.5 overs (Jonny Bairstow 49, Tom Banton 29, Muhammad Waseem 27, Jason Holder 1 for 11, Ajay Kumar 1 for 30)

Player of the match: Kamindu Mendis

Sports

Dubai Basketball takes on Bayern Munich in blockbuster EuroLeague showdown this Friday

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2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Basketball fans, get ready, because one of the biggest names in global sport is coming to town.

Dubai’s first-ever professional basketball franchise will hit the court against FC Bayern Munich at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, December 12. And they’re stepping into the game with some serious momentum, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak at home across both the EuroLeague and the ABA League.

After a strong debut season in the ABA League, where they powered their way to the playoff semi-finals, Dubai Basketball is now competing in the EuroLeague for the very first time.

For anyone new to it, the EuroLeague is Europe’s top-tier basketball competition, featuring 20 elite teams from 10 countries, all battling it out through a high-speed, high-intensity season that ends with the iconic Final Four showdown.

Big stage, big opponent, big moment for Dubai. Game on.

Sports

DP World ILT20: Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by one run in last-ball thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 10, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Cricket fans at the Zayed Cricket Stadium were treated to a nail-biting finish on Tuesday night as the Desert Vipers edged MI Emirates by just one run in a dramatic DP World ILT20 Season 4 clash.

The victory marked the Vipers’ fourth straight win of the season, keeping them firmly at the top of the points table with eight points.

Payne Turns the Game on Its Head

Defending a total of 159, the Vipers found themselves under pressure until David Payne delivered a match-winning 19th over, picking up three crucial wickets to completely swing momentum. Payne finished with sensational figures of 4 for 29 and was named Player of the Match.

He was well supported by UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer, who took 2 for 34, as the Vipers held their nerve in the dying moments.

MI Emirates needed 16 runs from the final over, and Rashid Khan nearly pulled off the chase with a six and a four. However, the batting side fell two runs short on the very last ball, sealing a heartbreaking defeat.

MI Emirates Fight Hard in the Chase

Chasing 160, MI Emirates lost Jonny Bairstow early, but Muhammad Waseem (24) and Tom Banton (34) rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership. Later, Nicholas Pooran (31) joined Banton to keep the chase alive.

Kieron Pollard, leading the side, added a quick 23 off 13 balls and looked dangerous before being dismissed by Payne in the penultimate over, a moment that proved crucial.

Solid Start with the Bat for Vipers

Earlier, the Vipers got off to a strong start thanks to Fakhar Zaman (35) and Andries Gous (21). After Gous retired hurt, Zaman added 51 runs with Max Holden (42) to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Late contributions from Shimron Hetmyer (15), Sam Curran (19) and Dan Lawrence (15 not out) helped the Vipers reach a competitive 159 for 4.

For MI Emirates, young spinner Allah Ghazanfar impressed with 2 for 32, while Fazalhaq Farooqi also chipped in with a wicket.

David Payne, Player of the Match, said: “It went right down to the wire, and it was entertaining for everyone watching. We kept things simple, hit the right areas, and that made the difference.”

MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard reflected: “We didn’t finish the innings well in the last couple of overs. In cricket, momentum can change quickly, and that’s exactly what happened tonight.”