The all-rounder’s economical spell and composed finish guide his team to a smooth chase, securing a third consecutive victory in the ILT20.
DUBAI — A masterful all-round performance from Shakib Al-Hasan propelled MI Emirates to a convincing four-wicket victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 on Sunday. The win, achieved with 15 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium, marks the Emirates’ third consecutive triumph and lifts them to second in the points table.
Facing a modest target of 125, MI Emirates navigated early pressure before veterans Kieron Pollard and Shakib steered the chase to a calm conclusion. Shakib sealed the win with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on 17, after earlier dismantling the Vipers’ batting lineup with a stellar bowling spell.
Shakib Dominates with Ball and Bat
The Bangladeshi star was the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs to stifle the Vipers’ innings. He then returned to play a crucial anchoring role during the chase after the team lost early wickets.
“It was a surface that suited the spinners,” said Shakib after receiving the Player of the Match award. “The focus was on hitting the right areas… With so many powerful hitters in our lineup, someone needed to play the anchoring role, and I was happy to take on that responsibility.”
Vipers Restricted to Subpar Total
Desert Vipers, after being put into bat, struggled for momentum throughout their innings. Only Dan Lawrence offered sustained resistance with a gritty 35 off 34 balls. Tight bowling from the Emirates, supported by Zahoor Khan’s death-over figures of 2/17, restricted the Vipers to 124/8.
Pollard Provides the Punch
In reply, MI Emirates found themselves at 35/2 in the powerplay and lost wickets at regular intervals. The momentum shifted decisively when captain Kieron Pollard launched a blistering counterattack, smashing two sixes in the 15th over. His 15-ball 26 set the stage for Shakib to guide the team home.
Desert Vipers’ stand-in skipper Sam Curran acknowledged the challenging conditions. “It was another low-scoring game on a tricky surface,” he said. “Facing a side like MI Emirates, who have high-quality spinners, made it even tougher.”
The victory solidifies MI Emirates’ position as a prime contender as the tournament enters its crucial phase.
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