MI Emirates sent Abu Dhabi Knight Riders packing for 95 runs in 14.1 overs to record a resounding nine wicket win in Tuesday’s ILT20 match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Trent Boult (3 for 14) wiped away the cream of the Knight Riders’ batting backed by Akeal Hosein with two wickets for 21 runs.

Knight Riders’ experienced allrounder Andre Russell stood amidst the ruins to hit a fighting 48 runs off 25 balls with four sixes and three boundaries. Muhammad Rohid Khan hastened the end of Knight Riders’ innings taking three wickets for 25 runs.

MI Emirates began their chase with Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera striking comfortably. Waseem started by hitting Josh Little for two boundaries and a six off consecutive deliveries in the first over while Perera did the same against David Willey in the second over off successive deliveries.

Together they put on 42 runs in 4.2 overs before Perera got out to Matiullah Khan caught by Sunil Narine at mid-on for 22.

Skipper Nicholas Pooran, who joined Waseem, carried his team quickly to the target with an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls with five sixes and one boundary.

Waseem remained unbeaten on 26 off 20 balls with two boundaries and a six. The MI Emirates won the match with 71 balls to spare.

This big win lifted them to the top of the table.

Player of the match was Trent Boult.

Speaking after the match, Boult said: “I had a simple game plan. Try to pitch it up and search for some swing. I saw in the earlier game that it was swinging around early, so wanted to maximize the conditions. Akeal is a quality player, he swings the bowl well himself too. It’s not often that we get to see eight overs by the new ball bowlers.”

Watch Live!

Don’t forget, Ariana Television is broadcasting all matches live daily. Wednesday’s match between Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers will start at 7pm. However, fans can tune in from 6:30 pm for the pre-match show.