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Tom Banton’s century powers MI Emirates to a dominant nine-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2025

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MI Emirates rode on Tom Banton’s unbeaten 102 off just 55 balls to set up a mega nine-wicket win against Sharjah Warriorz here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday in the ongoing DP World ILT20 Season 3.

Making his maiden campaign for MI Emirates special, Tom Banton became the fourth century-maker in the history of the competition and only the second in this season after Shai Hope’s blistering century a week ago. While Hope’s century went in vain, Banton’s was a special one as it not only helped his team jump to the second position in the points table but this was also only the first century scored in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the history of ILT20.

Banton’s blitz was well-supported by Kusal Perera who scored an unbeaten 56 off 42 balls, making light of the run chase, as they romped home to 177 in 17.4 overs. Banton brought about his ton with great authority, sending Dilshan Madushanka’s short ball over the deep square leg for a huge six. His incredible knock was studded with 10 boundaries and six biggies while Perera packed off six boundaries and sent one over it in his commanding unbeaten knock.

Though Warriorz scalped dangerman Muhammad Waseem for 12 runs in only the second over through Dilshan Madushanka, their bowlers did not pose any threat to Banton-Perera’s rock-solid partnership of 157 runs. To add to their woes, a drop catch in the 12th over proved costly for the Warriorz when Karim Janat could not hold on to a sitter before Perera brought on his 50.

Put in to bat first, Sharjah Warriorz set up a total of 176/9 in 20 overs. MI Emirates left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was the cynosure of MI Emirates bowling attack, tormenting the Warriorz batting order with four wickets for 24 runs while Alzarri Joseph bagged two for 39 with Romario Sheperd and Waqar Salamkheil chipping in with a wicket each.

Caught behind, opener Jason Roy was the first to fall for Farooqi in only his first over at a score of 7/1 but Johnson Charles and Avishka Fernando steered Warriorz innings stitching together a valuable 50-run partnership in 27 balls. Riding on his sensational 81 off 27 balls in Warriorz’ previous outing that set up a record-breaking chase against Dubai Capitals, Avishka set their home stadium ablaze with three boundaries and four sixes that had the Sunday audience in Sharjah up on their feet. He used the powerplay with explosive batting despite a slow wicket.

It was Romario Shepherd who eventually put an end to Fernando’s quick-fire innings of 39 runs in just 17 balls, with a slower delivery that was slogged to the cover but not timing it well enough, went straight to Muhammad Waseem who juggled a bit before safely holding on to a big wicket that put Sharjah Warriorz at 57/2.

Johnson, in the meantime, consolidated the Warriorz innings but lost Rohan Mustafa for six runs putting Warriorz at a precarious 71/3. A 32-run stand between Johnson and Luke Wells brought some semblance to the home team’s innings until Wells fell for Alzarri Joseph with 18 runs to his name. At the other end, Johnson was struggling with momentum and had to settle with singles and doubles but with Karim Janat steading the innings after coming in at No.6, Johnson upped his ante and reached the half-century mark in the 14^th over. He fell to Farooqi in the 15^th over after scoring 59 runs off 42 balls and surviving a drop catch by Nicolas Pooran early in the innings.

At 140/5, Warriorz huffed and puffed their way to 176/9 losing wickets regularly in the following over with no significant contribution coming from the tailenders after Janat departed for 18 runs.

Player of the Match, Tom Banton said, “In my first eight or nine balls, I was on zero. It’s funny how cricket works sometimes. It was a really good wicket. I struggled for 25 balls. I have a better understanding of my game than a few years ago. Nicky, Polly, Robin and everyone has been really good.”

Sharjah Warriors Captain, Tim Southee said, “It wasn’t a bad score. We were reasonably happy with the score at the halfway stage. Avishka has been unbelievable in his first two games. Nice to see John at the other end but not taking wickets makes it hard. We weren’t able to take wickets and it does hurt to drop catches.”

Related Topics:#dpworldilt20 #dpworldilt20season3 #MIEmirates #sharjahwarriors

Staff Reporter

Announcements

DIFC unveils relief package to ease financial pressure for more than 8,000 companies

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has today announced a comprehensive suite of temporary economic support measures designed to fortify its business and retail community. Effective immediately, the package addresses short-term operational pressures, ensuring the DIFC ecosystem remains the most resilient financial hub in the MEASA region.

As the global economy navigates a shifting landscape, the DIFC Authority is taking a proactive stance to provide financial reassurance and administrative flexibility to its 8,800+ active firms.

Targeted financial & operational support

The relief measures are specifically designed to stabilise cash flows for both commercial tenants and retail operators. Key initiatives include:

Flexible Payment Solutions: Customised payment plans for retail and commercial sectors.
Licensing Ease: New instalment plans for license renewal fees to reduce upfront capital requirements.
Administrative Grace Periods: Extensions on payments related to the Registrar of Companies, Data Protection Department, and lease contract filings.
Workforce Support: Deferred timelines for registering employees into the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme.

Regulatory flexibility

In tandem with the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is introducing regulatory relief to maintain market momentum. These measures will support existing regulated firms and streamline the authorisation process for new entities seeking to enter the Dubai market.

“At DIFC, we stand alongside our clients, partners, and employees with a clear commitment to provide support and reassurance when it is needed most,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority.

The announcement comes as DIFC continues its Zabeel District expansion, which is set to house over 42,000 companies. By prioritising the human and financial health of its current partners, DIFC is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top-four global financial centre that prioritises stability alongside innovation.

Announcements

Dubai ad agency turns billboard into a self-funded tribute of gratitude and love for the UAE

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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As global markets navigate a landscape of uncertainty, the UAE continues to stand as a beacon of stability and resilience. While business leaders across the region have applauded the nation’s defence mechanisms and leadership, one Dubai-based advertising firm is moving beyond words and into action.

NextWhat Advertising has unveiled a massive, self-funded tribute billboard at the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout. In a move that breaks industry norms, the agency has bypassed commercial revenue to dedicate one of the city’s most premium outdoor spots to a message of solidarity and love for the UAE leadership.

The billboard, strategically located in the parking area facing the flow of traffic from Emirates Towers toward Zabeel Road and facing the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, carries a heartfelt message honouring the strength, wisdom, and commitment to unity that defines the UAE’s path forward.

Gratitude for leadership

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns are common, they are almost exclusively funded by clients. NextWhat is pioneering a different path: the billboard owner acting as the benefactor.

“Typically, we see clients using CSR funds for these types of messages. Among outdoor media players, we are amongst the first few to have done this entirely on our own,” says Tanvir Shah, Founder and Managing Director of NextWhat Advertising.

“We’ve spent our own money and used our own premium space, no sponsorship, no clients, to show our genuine gratitude for the safety and leadership the UAE provides.”

From Mumbai to the world stage

The man behind the move, Tanvir Shah, is a first-generation entrepreneur with a legacy of Thinking Big. A graduate of Mumbai’s prestigious Sydenham College and a veteran of The Times of India, Shah launched his first venture in 1992. Today, his footprint spans India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

Under Shah’s leadership, NextWhat has become synonymous with unmissable brand experiences. By dedicating their state-of-the-art digital and large-format sites to a national cause, the company is demonstrating that in the UAE, the bond between the private sector and the state is built on more than just commerce; it is built on shared resilience.

United we stand as a family

Today, as business leaders and residents alike confront uncertainty, they do so not as guests in a foreign land, but as a united family standing in defence of the home that has embraced them. This bond has been forged through years of shared milestones and a collective belief that, regardless of origin, hearts can beat as one for the Emirates.

“The UAE has given us extraordinary opportunities and unwavering support. Just as it welcomed us during times of prosperity, we stand with it now in moments of challenge. We are not merely expatriates or guests; we are family. Irrespective of nationality, we have consciously chosen this country as our home, and we hold it close to our hearts. Our loyalty has only grown stronger through the trust and confidence shown by the nation’s leadership. This land has embraced us with dignity, and the least we can do is stand by it. At the end of the day, we are one,” concluded Shah.

Click on the link to see a video of the ad: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWqPp7EjKCU

Announcements

Dubai unveils Dh1 billion economic package to support tourism, businesses

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai authorities have announced a series of business support measures aimed at strengthening resilience, easing financial pressures, and sustaining economic growth across key sectors.

The initiatives are part of a wider Dh1 billion economic incentive package unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister.

Relief for tourism and hospitality

To support hotels and tourism-related businesses, the government will allow:

Deferral of 100% of sales fees on rooms and food & beverage
Postponement of Tourism Dirham fees

These relief measures will be valid for three months starting April 1 and apply to:

Hotels
Hotel apartments
Holiday homes

The goal is to enhance liquidity and reduce short-term financial strain on the hospitality sector.

Wider support for businesses

Additional measures have been introduced across the broader economy, including fee deferrals for three months on:

Premium business names
Licence amendments
Newspaper announcements
Local service fees
Accommodation and waste management fees
Service improvement charges

These apply to both new business licences and renewals, with further updates expected after the three months.

Additional reforms

The broader package also includes:

Extended grace periods for customs data
Streamlined processes for issuing and renewing residency permits

Officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism emphasised that the emirate’s economic success is built on proactive policymaking and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders.