MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders meet in Qualifier 2 of the ILT20 2025-26 at Sharjah, with a place in the final at stake. The Emirates have a strong-looking top order of Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, but frequent changes there have prevented a steady run of scores. Fletcher has struggled for fast starts, while Banton impressed at number three last time.
They won convincingly against Dubai Capitals despite dropping Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow before the knockouts, though that chase was not demanding. With Sharjah slowing over time, Waseem and Fletcher need to fire early, while captain Kieron Pollard and Sanjay Krishnamurthi anchor the middle. Romario Shepherd, Dan Mousley and Shakib Al Hasan extend the batting, and Shakib and AM Ghazanfar should be influential on a sluggish pitch, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shepherd and Zahoor Khan leading the pace.
Abu Dhabi have won one of their two matches at Sharjah. Michael Pepper’s form is a big boost alongside Salt, and Russell and Livingstone must make an impact in the middle overs. Alex Hales has been pushed down the order, which may not suit him. Holder adds depth, and the spin trio of Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla and Livingstone could be decisive.