MI Emirates look to steady an uneven ILT20 campaign. After a defeat to Gulf Giants and a narrow four-run win over Warriorz, they lost by one run to Desert Vipers while chasing 160, despite Tom Banton’s 34 off 29 and Nicholas Pooran’s 31. Banton leads their batting with 367 runs at an average of 40.78 and a strike rate of 145.63, and Pooran has 248. Fazalhaq Farooqi (12 wickets) and Muhammad Rohid (10) give the attack its edge.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders arrive in a tougher spot, fifth with one win from three and a net run rate of –0.878. After a 39-run win over Sharjah Warriors they have lost twice, the latest an 83-run defeat to Dubai Capitals, who made 186/4 thanks to Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 96 and Jordan Cox’s 52. Chasing, ADKR were bowled out for 103 in 15.3 overs.
Alishan Sharafu has 201 runs and Andre Russell 129, while Jason Holder has 13 wickets at 8.2 an economy. History offers mixed signals, with MI Emirates winning three of the last four, including two victories by eight wickets or more, before ADKR’s 42-run win in January 2025. Our preview favours MI Emirates narrowly.