Romario Shephard Madness Lead MI Emirates
The match between the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and MI Emirates in match 14 of the International League T20 2025 started at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, at 06:30 PM local time. MI Emirates finalized by having the Knight Riders lost by 28 runs in a game where the batting came under severe examination under the floodlights.
MI Emirates had made a blazing start against the Knight Riders by scoring 186 for 6 in their assigned 20 overs. Kusal Perera and Muhammad Waseem shared a quick partnership, with Perera falling for 23 off 20 balls to Jason Holder, who caught him out. Waseem soon followed and was dismissed for 38 off 35 balls.
However, Nicholas Pooran ripped the game apart with 49 runs coming off just 26 balls with five fours and two sixes before giving a catch out to Alishan Sharafu at Holder. It was Romario Shepherd who shredded the defense to pieces late to finish with 38 off just 13 deliveries, towards what looked like a win to MI given that it was all the more aggressive batting on the night.
The pace was a disappointing run of spell for the Abu Dhabi bowling attack led by Ali Khan and Jason Holder. Both had two wickets to their name but with highly inflated economy rates, Holder in particular spread-eagled with 38 runs in 4 overs.
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In reply, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders faced a very stiff chase. Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous started confidently with a partnership of 39 runs for the first wicket in just 3.5 overs before Mayers was run out. Gous made 34, but the middle order was unable to capitalize on the good start. Joe Clarke fell cheaply; so did Michael-Kyle Pepper and Alishan Sharafu. Laurie Evans only managed to score 7 runs before he was out bowled by Waqar Salamkheil.
The innings was somewhat redeemed by Andre Russell, who made a commendable contribution of 37 not out off just 23 balls, but it was too late as the required run rate became too steep to climb. The Knight Riders finished their innings at 158 for 9 and lost by 28 runs.
The MI Emirates attack was shared with various players. Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd shared two wickets, while Akeal Hosein was economical, giving away 25 runs in 4 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi also made a significant contribution with a wicket, with an economy rate that kept the pressure at the crease on the batsmen.
The match was a canvas of power hitting on the one hand, and tactical bowling on the other. MI Emirates’ post of a defendable total and gradual chipping away at the Knight Riders’ batting lineup proved decisive in their victory. The match was not all about individuals; it was also about how well the team adapted to their conditions and executed their plans under pressure. That victory also solidified MI Emirates’ position in the league table, while the Knight Riders had the chance to reflect on this one by asking themselves what really would have happened with a better contribution from the middle order.
