The Mumbai Indians Emirates emerged victorious in the second season of the International T20 League (ILT20) by defeating the Dubai Capitals in the final match of the league at the Dubai International Stadium on February 18 (Saturday). Posting a formidable total of 208 within their allotted 20 overs, the Nicholas Pooran-led Emirates put up a disciplined bowling performance to outdo the Sam Billings-led Capitals by a margin of 45 runs.
Choosing to field first after winning the toss, Sam Billings’ Dubai Capitals, faced the onslaught of Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera, who forged a commanding 77-run partnership in just 6.4 overs. Capitals’ Zahir Khan provided them with the first breakthrough by taking the wicket of Waseem. Andre Fletcher and Kusal Perera then formed a brief partnership but Perera lost his wicket, causing Emirates’ score to be 102-2 in 11.2 overs.
However, Fletcher, in collaboration with captain Pooran, continued the momentum by contributing with a knock of 56 runs off 33 balls. Nicholas Pooran played a pivotal role too, leading the charge with an impressive unbeaten score of 57 runs from just 27 deliveries.
Dubai Capitals’ Poor Start Left Too Much Work To Do For The Middle-Order
Akeal Hosein, the left-arm spinner, struck early in the Capitals’ innings, dismissing Leus du Plooy for a duck in the very first over. While Tom Banton and Capital’s skipper, Sam Billings, made promising starts, they succumbed at crucial junctures, leaving their team in a precarious position.
Billings emerged as the top scorer with 40 runs, but the Capitals faltered due to the lack of significant contributions from Sikandar Raza and Rovman Powell, making the target unreachable. Trent Boult and Vijaykanth Viyaskanth claimed two wickets each for the Emirates.
Nicholas Pooran was honoured with the Player of the Match award, while Sikandar Raza received the prestigious Player of the Series award for his all-round performance in the league. Notably, he emerges as the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 313 runs in 11 innings. He is also the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets with the average of 21.85.