Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – MI Emirates booked their place in Qualifier 1 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket win over Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on December 27, 2025. The victory marked their fifth consecutive win of the season and confirmed their position in the top two of the points table. Led by Captain Kieron Pollard’s explosive batting, MI Emirates chased down the target with ease, showcasing their all-round strength and consistency throughout the tournament.
The foundation of the triumph was laid by the MI Emirates spinners, who once again proved to be the team’s standout performers. Young Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar delivered a match-defining spell, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in his quota. Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan complemented the effort with a tight and economical spell of 1/11 in four overs. Their disciplined bowling restricted Dubai Capitals to a modest total of 122 for 8 in their 20 overs. The Capitals struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals against the spin duo’s variations and control.
Chasing a target of 123, MI Emirates made light work of the run chase, reaching the required score with 18 balls to spare. Captain Kieron Pollard anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44 off 31 deliveries, smashing one four and five towering sixes to finish the game in style. His aggressive yet calculated power-hitting turned the chase into a formality, ensuring the team maintained its momentum heading into the knockout stages. The win not only sealed MI Emirates’ berth in the top two but also set up a high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against Desert Vipers on December 30, 2025.
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The performance highlighted MI Emirates’ balanced squad and their ability to dominate in crucial moments of the tournament. With the spinners stifling the opposition and Pollard providing the finishing touch, the team has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the ILT20 title this season. The upcoming Qualifier 1 promises an exciting encounter as both sides look to secure a direct passage to the final. Fans and analysts will closely watch whether MI Emirates can carry forward their winning streak and advance to the championship decider.
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