MI Emirates stormed into the final through a domineering show over defending champions Gulf Giants to win by 45 runs in the Qualifier 1 of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Giants were bowled out for 118 in 18.2 overs through Sri Lanka’s 22-year-old leg spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth bagging 3 for 22 after Windies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein  (2 for 13) struck early and Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil chipping in with (2 for 27). Emirates had posted a challenging total of 163 for 7 despite Australian medium pacer Daniel Worrall’s fine spell of 3 for 15 from his four overs well backed by Blessing Muzarabani (2 for 34). The architects of Emirates’ score were their skipper Nicholas Pooran (36) and Dwayne Bravo (30). They had put on a 45-run partnership off 36 balls for the fourth wicket. Later, Kieron Pollard smashed a breezy unbeaten 27 off 14 balls, and together with Tim David (29), added 45 runs in 26 balls for the sixth wicket.

The Giants’ chase began on a bad note losing their consistent scorer and captain James Vince to the first ball of the innings, clean bowled by Akeal Hosein.  UAE’s left-arm medium pacer Muhammad Rohid produced a beauty to hit the top of the off stump of opener Jordan Cox too for 1 while Chris Lynn had Hosein caught by Fletcher at point for a run-a-ball 18. Five down for 57 at the halfway mark, Emirates went for the kill. To make it easier for Emirates, Overton got run out for 5.  Usman Khan too got out for 26 caught by Boult at long-off. Chirs Jordan delayed Emirates win through a 15 balls knock of 31 runs before being caught by Boult at long-off off Salamkheil.

 Brief scores:

MI Emirates bt Gulf Giants by 45 runs.  MI Emirates 163 for 7 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 22, Nicholas Pooran 36, Dwayne Bravo 30, Tim David 29, Kieron Pollard 27n.o, Daniel Worrall 3 for 15, Blessing Muzarabani 2 for 34) Gulf Giants 118 in 18.2 overs (Usman Khan 26, Chris Jordan 31, Akeal Hosein 2 for 13, Waqar Salamkheil 2 for 27, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 3 for 22) Player of the Match: Akeal Hosein.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)