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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Dubai will implement gradual road closures on New Year’s Eve, including major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, starting from 4 PM on December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Residents and visitors planning to visit Downtown Dubai or other popular fireworks destinations are advised to begin their journeys early and rely on public transport, said Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the RTA. He urged those not attending festivities in these areas to leave early and reminded guests with bookings near the celebrations to arrive before 4 PM.

The road closure schedule includes:

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: From 4 PM
• Financial Centre Street (Lower Deck): From 4 PM
• Al Mustaqbal Street: From 4 PM
• Burj Khalifa Street: From 4 PM
• Al Asayel Road (Oud Metha to Burj Khalifa): From 4 PM
• Al Sukuk Street: From 8 PM
• Upper Level of Financial Road: From 8 PM
• Sheikh Zayed Road: Gradual closure from 11 PM

To accommodate workers and ensure safety, authorities have designated viewing zones featuring large screens and meal services in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs. Dedicated family-only viewing areas have also been arranged, with additional details forthcoming.

Enhanced Parking Facilities

The RTA has arranged approximately 20,000 additional parking spaces at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, and Emaar Boulevard to cater to visitors. Alternative parking options at Al Wasl and the GDRFA parking lots will also be available, with free shuttle buses provided for convenience.

Metro users can park at Centerpoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations for easier access to celebration venues. Note that the Dubai Water Canal Footbridge and elevators will close at 4 PM.

Citywide Celebrations

As Dubai rings in 2025, a total of 36 locations across the city will host spectacular celebrations. Highlights include fireworks displays at Burj Park, Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach at JBR, and Hatta.

Authorities encourage the public to use public transport and plan their journeys in advance to enjoy a smooth and memorable New Year’s Eve.

Adapted from an exclusive with Telecom Asia Sports

Abu Dhabi, December 20, 2024 – Nick Kyrgios is back, and he’s not holding back. After a hard fought defeat in his match against Andrey Rublev at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, the Australian tennis star hit out at former doubles World No. 1 Nicolas Mahut amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Kyrgios’ comments about Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1.

The drama began after Kyrgios, never one to mince words, expressed his desire to face Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open, vowing to turn the crowd against the Italian. Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios said: “Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner. If I played him in the Australian Open, I’d get every person in the crowd to get on him. It would turn into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window, and I would just do anything to win.”

Kyrgios’ comments came in the wake of Sinner’s doping controversy earlier this year, where the Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. While Sinner was ultimately cleared of any fault by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the case remains under appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Kyrgios has been vocal about his disapproval of the ruling, previously calling for Sinner to be banned.

Mahut, a former doubles World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, publicly condemned Kyrgios for what he deemed unnecessary and disrespectful remarks. Speaking to Eurosport, Mahut said: “I don’t like these kinds of statements. Kyrgios gave his opinion about Sinner’s positive tests, which is fine, but to let it escalate like this? Sinner has never disrespected anyone, and he’s the No. 1 in the world. There’s no need to let yourself go like this.” Mahut also dismissed Kyrgios’ chances of defeating Sinner, predicting, “Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner will win that match easily with 6-3s.”

In an interview following his match at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Kyrgios responded to Mahut’s criticism with characteristic bluntness. Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sports, he remarked: “I don’t know if there’s a back-and-forth. Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn’t made inroads like I have, so I’ll let that be. And I don’t think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say.”

The 29-year-old, returning to the court after over a year recovering from wrist reconstruction surgery, also addressed his ability to compete at the highest level. “I wasn’t retiring. Trust me, I was two sets away from winning a Grand Slam. I didn’t retire; I was forced to stop playing for a while. It was very, very hard because I was playing the best tennis of my life,” Kyrgios told Telecom Asia Sports. “It’s been about 16 months since my surgery, and I’ve done everything the right way—no shortcuts, just rehab and hard work. I’ve put myself in the best position I can, and now I’ll let my tennis do the talking.”

Kyrgios didn’t shy away from addressing Mahut’s criticism of his confidence, saying: “I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic. He was an amazing doubles player, a Grand Slam champion, no doubt, but he didn’t have the singles career I’ve had. That’s probably why he has his opinion. But on the singles court, he never had the belief I have, so that opinion means nothing to me.” He added, “Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them. I don’t want to be that player. I’ll always back my ability and my belief.”

While Kyrgios acknowledged the current dominance of players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he remained defiant. “There’s no doubt that Sinner, Alcaraz—these guys are the best in the world right now, hands down. But that doesn’t mean I won’t believe in myself. I’ll always back myself and do everything I can to compete,” he stated.

Kyrgios is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Australian Open in January, marking his first appearance at his home Grand Slam in three years. He will also partner with Novak Djokovic in the doubles draw at the Brisbane International, a pairing that has already created buzz in the tennis world.

As Kyrgios reenters the spotlight, one thing is clear—his unfiltered approach and unwavering confidence continue to make him one of tennis’ most polarizing and fascinating figures. Whether or not he faces Sinner, Kyrgios has made it clear that he’s ready to fight for his place among the game’s elite.