MI Emirates defend 187 as ADKR stumble in chase

In a high-scoring encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, MI Emirates' clinical batting performance overwhelmed the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, securing a 35-run victory.

Put in to bat first, MI Emirates posted a formidable total of 187 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow laid the foundation with a fiery 38 off just 16 balls in a 47-run opening stand. Muhammad Waseem scored a sedate 37, but stitched a 50-run stand with Tom Banton, who contributed a 28-ball 38.

The West Indian duo of Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard combined for the late fireworks, putting on a 62-run stand in just 31 balls for the fourth wicket. The skipper hit two sixes and as many boundaries in his 16-ball 28, while Pooran remained unbeaten on 40 from 24 balls.

In reply, Brandon McMullen's 64 and an 82-run partnership with Alex Hales revived the chase after losing Phil Salt early. McMullen played a composed yet aggressive knock of 64 in 49 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two sixes. He was well-supported by Hales, who provided early impetus with a brisk 40 off 27 balls.

However, Sherfane Rutherford and Liam Livingstone lost their wickets to Zahoor Khan in the same over once the 82-run stand was broken, and the hosts failed to bring their chase back on track. From 96/1 to 109/5, the slip proved fatal as the bowlers led the comeback, eventually restricting ADKR to 152/7.

Brief Scores: MI Emirates 187/4 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 40*, Jonny Bairstow 38, Tom Banton 38; Ajay Kumar 2-42) beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 152/7 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 64, Alex Hales 40; Zahoor Khan 3-16) by 35 runs.