MI Emirates Beats Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Pooran And Shepherd Shines
The MI Emirates produced a clinical display with the bat and the ball, handing the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders a 28-run defeat at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the Match 14 of International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 on Tuesday, January 21.
MI Emirates got off to a strong start when they were asked to bat first, with openers Muhammad Waseem (38) and Kusal Perera making a strong stand at the top. The Sri Lankan Perera was the first to leave for 23 soon before the powerplay ended, following a 42-run partnership between the two players. Tom Banton entered, and he and Waseem made sure the MI Emirates maintained the run rate.
Banton was out for nine around the halfway point of the innings, while Waseem was out for 38 shortly after. Kieron Pollard replaced skipper Nicholas Pooran, but the seasoned right-hander struggled to get going and was eventually sent out for five by Ali Khan. With just over 6 overs remaining, the score was at 102/4.
Following Dan Mousley's dismissal for six, Romario Shepherd joined his skipper for the innings' last stretch. Jason Holder made a solid 49, but Pooran, who was hitting it cleanly, was almost at his half-century before he fell.
Shepherd was given more attention in the last few overs as a result. In order to end with an undefeated 38 from 13 deliveries, the powerful right-hander then moved through the gears and hammered three maximums and four boundaries. After slowing down for a few overs in the middle, the MI Emirates eventually reached 186/6.
In second inning with openers Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous attacking the MI Emirates bowlers, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders got off to a fast start. Before Dan Mousley ran him out with a brilliant bit of fielding, Mayers, who hit three sixes, scored 22 off 14 deliveries.
The MI Emirates seized control after that, finishing a 39-run partnership in the fourth over in second inning.
Following Joe Clarke's dismissal by Akeal Hosein for three, Romario Shepherd took out Michael-Kyle Pepper for five and Alishan Sharafu for four. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were 56/4 at the conclusion of a thrilling Powerplay.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were further put under pressure after Waqar Salamkheil dismissed Laurie Evans for seven and Zahoor Khan caught Gous in the deep for thirty-four. Hopes of a recovery were raised when Sunil Narine and Andre Russell were called to the middle and embarked on a half-century stand.
But Narine was caught at cover for 13 in the 18th over, and David Willey was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the 19th. The MI Emirates won easily, and Russell, who was still undefeated at 37 from 23 deliveries, was unable to lead his team across the finish line.
players like Romario Shepherd and Nicholas Pooran, the MI Emirates were able to close the gap on the top team to just two points.
Alzarri Joseph and Shepherd each took two wickets to thwart the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' chase, while four of the MI Emirates' bowlers were in excellent form that evening.
In the whole match Romario Shepherd was the centre of attraction for the crowd with his bowling and batting, although the show was lasser but effective for MI Emirates to build pressure on the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 28 runs
MI Emirates 186/6 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 49, Romario Shepherd 38 not out, Muhammad Waseem 38, Jason Holder 2 for 38, Ali Khan 2 for 58)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 158/9 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 37 not out, Andries Gous 34, Romario Shepherd 2/14, Alzarri Joseph 2/33, Waqar Salamkheil 1/13)
Player of the Match: Romario Shepherd
