MI Emirates defend 187 as ADKR stumble in chase

In a high-scoring encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, MI Emirates' clinical batting performance overwhelmed the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, securing a 35-run victory.

Put in to bat first, MI Emirates posted a formidable total of 187 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow laid the foundation with a fiery 38 off just 16 balls in the 47-run opening stand. Muhammad Waseem scored a sedate 37, but stitched a 50-run stand with Tom Banton, who contributed a 28-ball 38 to the cause.

West Indian duo of Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard combined for the late fireworks, putting on a 62-run stand in just 31 balls for the fourth wicket. The skipper hit two sixes and as many boundaries in his 16-ball 28 while Pooran hit just as many in his unbeaten 24-ball cameo of 40 runs.

Brandon McMullen's 64 and an 82-run partnership with Alex Hales revived the chase after losing the dangerous Phil Salt early. McMullen played a composed yet aggressive knock of 64 in just 49 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two sixes. He was well-supported by Hales, who provided early impetus with a brisk 40 off 27 balls, featuring four boundaries and a maximum. Despite the early jolt, the duo ensured the momentum stayed with them.

However, Sherfane Rutherford and Liam Livingstone lost their wickets to Zahoor Khan in the same over once the 82-run stand was broken, and the hosts failed to bring their chase back on track from there on. From 96/1 to 109/5, the slip proved fatal as the bowlers led the comeback and eventually restricted ADKR to just 152/7 in reply.

Brief Scores: MI Emirates 187/4 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 40*, Jonny Bairstow 38, Tom Banton 38; Ajay Kumar 2-42) beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 152/7 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 64, Alex Hales 40; Zahoor Khan 3-16) by 35 runs