MI Emirates Vs Desert Vipers Match Report
In a mind-blowing outing of cricket at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, MI Emirates crushed Desert Vipers by 154 runs in Match No. 22 of the International League T20 2025. The match, which started at 6.30 PM local time, showcased the might of batting and bowling of MI Emirates, finally bowled out at a miserable 74 in 12.3 overs by the Vipers.
MI Emirates came out flying, and from there in, dominated a clear opening partnership. Andre Fletcher, in particular, was in terrific form, not out on a blistering 96 off 50 balls with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 192.00. Muhammad Waseem was out early but gave a good 19 from 15 balls. Top-order batsman Tom Banton struck an equally impressive 105 off 55 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes, before being run out in the penultimate over. These two built up a mammoth total of 228 for 2 in 20 overs.
The bowling was spearheaded by Mohammad Amir, who was relatively tidy with figures of 1/36 in 4 overs, although his compatriots proved expensive, with Khuzaima Tanveer and Sam Curran both releasing runs at more than 11 an over.
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Chasing 229 was always going to be a tough task, and very soon the tunnel started unraveling for the Desert Vipers. The Hayley-led order saw an open-first spill down into a chasm of despair. While Lawrence, Curran, and Khan offered some resistance, MI Emirates bowlers were right on the money. Farooqi and Muhammad Rohid Khan took Special Care to crush the middle order, with Farooqi claiming figures of 2/10 and Rohid Khan 3/24. Alzarri Joseph contributed with 3/17 and virtually sealed the fate of the Vipers in their chase.
The top scorer for Desert Vipers was Sam Curran, with a quick 11, but even that was not enough as Desert Vipers collapsed for 74 runs in just 12.3 overs, conceding a 154-run lead.
Match Highlights:
A brilliant innings by Andre Fletcher that contributed 96 not out dazzled throughout the match and was sizeable due to his repertoire of shots and dynamics of pace.
A century from Tom Banton was a testimony to his form and successfully backed MI Emirates to a huge total.
The openings of the break taken by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Muhammad Rohid Khan were critical to rupture the back of the Vipers’ batting lineup.
Match Facts:
MI Emirates netted 40 runs with ease in the powerplay, with six overs being bowled, laying a strong foundation for their massive score.
Desert Vipers managed only to score 32 runs in their powerplay, again highlighting the disparity between the two sides today.
Conclusion:
The match was a complete display of MI Emirates dominating batting and bowling. The Desert Vipers were unable to cope with the mental pressure of chasing a huge total, losing their way in a few partnerships. The victory lifts MI Emirates in the points table to emerge as real contenders for the title in the International League T20 2025.
