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Shai Hope’s Heroic Ton Fell Short as MI Emirates Secure 26-Run Victory

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Abu Dhabi, January 13, 2025:  MI Emirates clinched a convincing 26-run victory against the Dubai Capitals in their opening game of the DP World ILT20 season at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday evening. Stellar half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran, combined with key bowling performances, propelled the Emirates side to a decisive win.

Despite a breathtaking 101 off 59 balls from Shai Hope, his valiant effort wasn’t enough to rescue the Dubai Capitals. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s game-changing over, where he claimed two wickets for just three runs, proved pivotal in tilting the match firmly in MI Emirates’ favor.

Chasing a challenging target of 188, the Capitals began with a spin gamble as Akeal Hosein took the new ball for MI Emirates. Although a dropped catch by Waqar Salamkheil in the third over gave Hope an early reprieve, it didn’t stop Alzarri Joseph from dismissing Ben Dunk in the powerplay. Hope, undeterred, carried the Capitals’ innings with authority, reaching his half-century in just 32 balls.

Hope and Brandon McMullen forged a 61-run stand for the second wicket before McMullen fell to a stumping off Salamkheil. Hope powered on, smashing AM Ghazanfar for a six and a four to complete his second T20 career century—a first for a Dubai Capitals player and only the third in DP World ILT20 history. However, his dismissal on the very next ball triggered a collapse.

Farooqi’s precision bowling dismantled the Capitals’ chase as he delivered two toe-crushing yorkers to dismiss Sikandar Raza and Dasun Shanaka in back to back succession. Zahoor Khan then tightened the screws with a miserly 19th over, leaving the Capitals needing an improbable 36 runs in the final over. Ultimately, the Capitals managed just 161-6 in their 20 overs.

Earlier in the match, MI Emirates overcame an early blow as Dushmantha Chameera bowled Kusal Perera with the very first ball of the game. Tom Banton’s 74 off 52 balls and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 59 off just 29 deliveries anchored the Emirates’ innings.

Banton, who weathered the initial pressure, brought up his fifty with a massive six and continued to build momentum. Pooran’s power-hitting stole the show during the 15th over, where he hammered Olly Stone for three consecutive sixes before falling while attempting a fourth. Late contributions from Kieron Pollard and Romario Shepherd ensured MI Emirates reached 187-7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Post-Match Reactions

Reflecting on the game, Shai Hope expressed mixed emotions: “A hundred always feels a lot sweeter when you’re on the winning side. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t take the team over the line. The pitch played well, and we did a good job to restrict them under 200, but we fell short with the bat.”

Player of the Match Tom Banton was pleased with his contribution: “It was tricky at the start, but we knew someone had to bat through the innings. I’ve played a lot of cricket here, and the wickets are always good. It’s my first year here, and I’m glad I could step up today.”

Score Summary:

MI Emirates 187-7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 74, Nicholas Pooran 59, Gulbadin Naib 3-27)
Dubai Capitals 161-6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 101, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-22)

With this emphatic win, MI Emirates have set a strong tone for the season, while Dubai Capitals will look to regroup and bounce back in their next encounter.

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Sports

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this July with blockbuster fight night at Etihad Arena

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Mark your calendars, fight fans. The UFC is making its return to Abu Dhabi on July 26, bringing a stacked Fight Night card to Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the first six explosive matchups, including a can’t-miss main event featuring former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder, the surging Dutch fighter making waves across the division.

The co-main event sees rising star Aaron Pico make his highly anticipated UFC debut in a five-round featherweight showdown against the undefeated Movsar Evloev.

Official UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card – July 26

  • Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight Main Event
  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico – Featherweight Co-Main (5 rounds)
  • Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight clash with fireworks guaranteed
  • Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – High-stakes bantamweight bout
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault – Middleweight showdown
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light heavyweight banger

From title contenders to breakout stars and debuting fighters, this card is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most thrilling events in the UAE.

Tickets and more info coming soon. Stay tuned to UFC Arabia and Etihad Arena channels for updates.

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Middle East

DP World ILT20 strikes deal with Kuwait Cricket Board to develop T20 game in region 

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In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

  • Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
  • Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
  • Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
  • Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
  • Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.


“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.


“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.


“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.


“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

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Indian cricket icons headline Super60 USA Legends Tournament this August

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Some of India’s biggest cricketing names are set to bring their star power to the United States as the much-anticipated Super60 USA Legends Tournament gets underway this August. Fans can look forward to seeing Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa in action once again, this time on American soil.

The tournament, which will run from August 5 to 16, is part of a growing movement to promote cricket in non-traditional markets, with the US emerging as a major focus. The T10 format, a fast-paced, dynamic, and spectator-friendly game, promises to offer fans thrilling, bite-sized cricket entertainment.

All three Indian stars bring rich international experience to the tournament:

  • Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina were key members of India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad.
  • Robin Uthappa played a crucial role in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign.

Speaking about his involvement, Harbhajan Singh said:

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Super60 USA Legends Tournament. It’s a unique and distinguished format that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the game. With the involvement of international legends, this tournament is a big step toward popularising cricket in this part of the world.”

Suresh Raina echoed the sentiment:

“I’m excited to be part of the Super60 USA Legends Tournament, which brings together world-class talent. Tournaments like this will play a vital role in growing the cricketing community in the US, and I’m proud to play a role in that journey.”

Robin Uthappa also praised the format and vision:

“The Super60 USA Legends Tournament is an excellent platform, both in terms of competition and innovation. Its unique format brings a fresh appeal to the game and has great potential to attract new fans. It’s exciting to be part of something that contributes meaningfully to cricket’s development in the US.”

The T10 format, known for its high-energy matches and shorter game duration, is helping cricket appeal to newer audiences. With games lasting around 90 minutes, the format delivers the thrill of Twenty20 cricket in a more compact version,  perfect for the entertainment-driven American sports market.

The tournament is being organised with the support of Samp Group, which continues to play a major role in expanding the reach of T10 cricket. The group aims to create the ideal platform for cricketing legends to connect with fans and inspire new players.

With legendary cricketers, a dynamic format, and a rapidly growing US cricket scene, the Super60 USA Legends Tournament promises to be a landmark moment in global cricket’s expansion story.

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