Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi claims 4 for 14 before Bairstow’s unbeaten 49 guides Emirates to a dominant seven-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI — MI Emirates produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets in the DP World ILT20 on Thursday, climbing to third place in the standings.
After being asked to bowl first at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Emirates’ attack dismantled the Knight Riders for just 122 in 19.3 overs. Left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi was the chief destroyer, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 14, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with three crucial wickets.
In reply, opener Muhammad Waseem provided a fiery start with 27 off 12 balls before England’s Jonny Bairstow anchored the chase with an unbeaten 49 from 38 deliveries, sealing victory in just 13.5 overs.
Bowlers Set Up Dominant Win
The Knight Riders’ innings never gained momentum as Farooqi and Mendis struck at regular intervals. Only Alishan Sharafu (38) and Sunil Narine (26) offered meaningful resistance. Mendis, named Player of the Match, credited his strategy on a slow surface: “I wanted to land the ball in the right areas and mix up the pace.”
Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard praised his team’s response after a recent defeat. “We needed those points… Today was a professional effort from everyone. It’s about reminding the guys to play cricket consistently and well,” he said.
Knight Riders Left to Reflect
For the Knight Riders, the defeat highlighted ongoing batting frailties. Captain Jason Holder acknowledged his side’s shortcomings: “122 was never going to be enough… Many of our guys got starts but didn’t carry on. Execution has been our biggest issue.”
The Emirates now have four points from two wins in four matches, while the Knight Riders remain in the lower half of the table after another underwhelming batting performance.
Brief Scores:
MI Emirates 123/3 in 13.5 overs (Bairstow 49*, Waseem 27) beat
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 122 in 19.3 overs (Sharafu 38, Farooqi 4/14, Mendis 3/21) by seven wickets.
Player of the Match: Kamindu Mendis (MI Emirates)
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