MI Emirates took a step ahead in their pursuit of a final berth in the inaugural edition of the ILT20 beating Dubai Capitals in the eliminator of the playoffs. Earlier on Wednesday, the Desert Vipers became the first finalists of the ILT20 beating Gulf Giants in the qualifier, which means they’ll now face the MI Emirates in the final qualifier to decide the second finalists who’ll play against the Viper on Sunday’s final.
The game also saw star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan take his first wicket in South Africa’s premier T20 League. In the fourth ball of the 13th over, Rashid Khan caught the set batter, George Munsey, batting on 51 off guard with a straight delivery. The ball hit him right in front of the stumps, and there was little doubt in the umpire’s mind before raising the finger.
Here’s a video of the eventful delivery:
That ????? ILT20 wicket for Rashid Khan ?#MIEmirates #OneFamily #MIEvDC pic.twitter.com/O9zUcFYMAc
— MI Emirates (@MIEmirates) February 9, 2023
MI Emirates defeated Dubai Capitals by eight wickets
Speaking of the game, the MI Emirates comprehensively outplayed the Capitals, winning the game handsomely by eight wickets. Winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, the Emirates restricted the Capitals to 151/5, a competitive total in any T20 game. However, the Emirates made a meal of the chase as they reached the target within 17 overs.
Emirates rode on Andre Fletcher’s 68 off 45 and Nicholas Pooran’s 66 off 36 to comfortably complete the tricky chase. Both Jake Ball and 24 Dasun Shanaka returned with a wicket each. But, the star bowler of the match was Trent Boult for the Emirates, who returned with figures of 2-19 in his quota of 4 overs. Rashid Khan returned with two wickets, the Capitals skipper Yusuf being his second scalp.
The Emirates will now play Gulf Giants in the second qualifiers, which will be the last chance for teams to make it into the final of the inaugural edition of South Africa’s premier T20 league.
