Dubai: Nicholas Pooran led MI Emirates to their first International League T20 (ILT20) title with a convincing 45-run victory over Dubai Capitals in the 2024 final on Saturday.
Powered by Pooran’s unbeaten 57 and Andre Fletcher’s half-century, Emirates posted a formidable 209/3. In reply, Capitals faltered early and were bundled out for 163, with Trent Boult and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth taking two wickets each.
Stars for MI Emirates:
West Indies batsman Pooran led from the front, smashing 57 runs off just 27 balls, including six sixes, to anchor the Emirates innings. Fletcher provided valuable support with his 54-run knock.
Capitals’ Chase Falters:
Despite early hope from skipper Sam Billings (40) and Tom Banton (35), Capitals couldn’t sustain the chase. Their batting order crumbled under pressure, falling well short of the target.
MI’ Second Title in UAE:
This victory marks Emirates’ second major title in the UAE after their triumphant run in the inaugural season of the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2019.
Key points:
- MI Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals by 45 runs to win the ILT20 title.
- Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher set the tone with fifties.
- Pooran finished with a match-winning 57* off 26 balls.
- MI Emirates topped the league phase and beat last year’s champions in the playoffs.
- MI chased down a target of 209 despite dropping six catches.
- Sam Billings offered the only resistance for Dubai Capitals with a 40.
Interesting:
- This is MI Emirates’ second title in the UAE after their 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 league win.
- Mahela Jayawardene and Rashid Khan were present to witness the victory.
- Nicholas Pooran played for West Indies in Australia just days before the final.
- Waqar Salamkheil had a heated exchange with Billings after dismissing him.
- The crowd thinned out as Dubai Capitals’ chase faltered.
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