In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, MI Emirates solidified their position in the tournament’s top two with a resounding eight-wicket triumph over the Dubai Capitals at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday, December 27. The victory, their fifth consecutive win this season, guarantees their advancement to Qualifier 1 where they will confront the Desert Vipers on December 30.
The match unfolded as a masterclass in strategic bowling and powerful batting. MI Emirates’ spin attack proved devastatingly effective, with young sensation Allah Ghazanfar claiming three crucial wickets for 28 runs while veteran campaigner Shakib Al Hasan delivered an economically brilliant spell of 1/11 across four overs. Their collective effort restricted the Capitals to a modest total of 122/8 from their allotted twenty overs.
Captain Kieron Pollard then orchestrated the chase with characteristic flair, remaining unbeaten on 44 runs from just 31 deliveries. His innings, punctuated by five massive sixes and one boundary, demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared finishers in T20 cricket. The victory was sealed with remarkable composure, achieved with nineteen balls to spare.
The pursuit began aggressively as openers Muhammad Waseem (27 from 19 balls) and Andre Fletcher (21 from 30 balls) established a solid foundation with a 47-run partnership. Although both openers departed by the tenth over, Pollard combined forces with English batsman Tom Banton (28 not out from 20 balls) to steer their team to victory. The captain’s explosive fourteenth over against Waqar Salamkheil, which yielded 30 runs including three consecutive sixes, effectively decided the contest.
With this result, the Dubai Capitals now await the outcome of Sunday’s final league match between Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The winner of that encounter will face the Capitals in the Eliminator round scheduled for January 1st.