MI Emirates secured their place in the DP World ILT20 Season 4 final with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on January 2, 2026. After restricting the Knight Riders to a modest 120/8, MI Emirates chased the target with 23 balls to spare, setting up a high-stakes final clash against Desert Vipers on January 4 at the Dubai International Stadium. The win showcased the team’s clinical bowling and composed batting, underlining their consistency throughout the tournament.
The Knight Riders’ innings never gained momentum on a challenging surface. Michael Pepper (1 off 4) was run out early by a direct hit from Andre Fletcher, while Brandon McMullen (13 off 8) fell LBW to Muhammad Rohid in the powerplay. Liam Livingstone (4 off 10) struggled and was dismissed after a miscued shot, leaving the middle order exposed. Allah Ghazanfar was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 24 runs, including the key scalps of Alex Hales (29 off 36) and late strikes against Jason Holder and Sunil Narine. Alishan Sharafu’s unbeaten 50 off 40 balls provided some resistance, but the total remained below par.
MI Emirates’ chase began cautiously, with Andre Fletcher (5 off 6) falling early to Ajay Kumar. Muhammad Waseem (10 off 14) and Tom Banton steadied the innings, but Narine broke their 30-run stand. Shakib Al Hasan then joined Banton, shifting momentum decisively with an unbeaten 38 off 24 balls, including a crucial 17-run over against Liam Livingstone. Banton anchored the chase with a composed 62 off 53, hitting four boundaries in a late flourish against Holder. The pair’s 82-run partnership off 53 balls ensured the target was chased comfortably.
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Player of the Match Shakib Al Hasan praised the bowlers’ discipline and credited the team’s focus on batting time against spin. “The bowlers were outstanding and kept picking up wickets, which made the difference,” he said. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder acknowledged the challenging conditions but lauded his team’s effort throughout the tournament, calling it a “solid effort” despite the loss. The match highlighted the importance of adapting to tricky pitches and maintaining composure under pressure.
With the final now set, MI Emirates will face Desert Vipers in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Season 4. The victory reinforces MI Emirates’ status as strong contenders, having reached their second final in four seasons. Cricket fans across the region can follow the final live on &Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai SD, Zee Cinemalu, and the OTT platform Zee5.
The ILT20 continues to deliver high-quality cricket, blending international stars with emerging talent. MI Emirates’ clinical performance in Qualifier 2 sets the stage for an exciting finale, with both teams eager to claim the title. The tournament has once again showcased the global appeal of franchise T20 cricket and the competitive spirit that defines the league.
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