ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Captain Nicholas Pooran produced another stunning cameo as he guided MI Emirates to a dominant nine-wicket win over Andre Russell’s Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 here yesterday.
Chasing a paltry 96 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, MI Emirates motored to their target off just 49 balls with the left-handed Pooran smashing one four and five sixes in a 16-ball unbeaten 39.
He put on 54 in an unbroken second wicket stand with Muhammad Waseem who finished unbeaten on 26 off 20 balls, after partnering with Kusal Perera (22) in a 42-run opening stand.
Pooran has been in a rich vein of form, also scoring a half-century last weekend against Gulf Giants.
Russell had earlier blasted a top score of 48 off 25 deliveries but Knights flopped spectacularly, bowled out for 95 at the start of the 15th over with left-arm seamers Trent Boult (3-14) and Muhammad Rohid (3-25) tearing through the innings with three-wicket hauls.
By the time Russell arrived at the crease at the start of the seventh over, Knight Riders were already in strife at 22 for five and he launched a counter-attack with three fours and four sixes to stage somewhat of a recovery.
First, he added 25 for the sixth wicket with Imad Wasim (7) before putting on a further 36 for the last wicket with Josh Little (5 not out).
He eventually perished to Afghan left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil’s first delivery, holing out to long on.
MI Emirates top the standings with four points from three games.
