DP World ILT20 2025, Match 26 Review: Pooran’s panache helps MI Emirates register nice win vs Gulf Giants

During Friday night’s Season 3 of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium, MI Emirates skipper Nicholas Pooran was playing at his best, leading his team to victory over the Gulf Giants. In addition to taking five wickets to win the match, the MI Emirates also achieved their first win of the season in Dubai. Player of the Match Award winner Pooran, who finished undefeated on 58 off 37 deliveries, was also the captain.

Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince, the openers for the Gulf Giants, who were batting first, found the boundaries frequently earlier in the evening, giving them a strong start. Erasmus was hit for 12 by Akeal Hosein in the third over, but the two were on the verge of making a significant impact.

Tim David and Chris Jordan eventually got the Giants to 173/6 in 20 overs by finishing the innings with 10 not out apiece.

As a reaction, the MI Emirates sped into fifth gear. With a barrage of boundaries in the first few overs, openers Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher scored runs at will. Before Waseem left after 26 runs off of 10, the first stand scored 44 runs. Aayan Khan scored his second scalp after Tom Banton contributed eleven more to the cause.

With six wickets remaining, the MI Emirates needed 71 runs in the last five overs. Pooran and Jacobs attacked the bowling, unleashing some beautiful smashes in their 33-ball 53-run partnership. Following Jacobs’ 18th birthday, Chris Jordan took his place. However, Romario Shepherd was content to take a backseat to Captain Pooran, who was leading the charge at the other end.

With the MI Emirates well in the box seat, the pressure was on the Giants as Pooran reached his half-century in the 18th over. With the MI Emirates needing six runs going into the final over, Shepherd delivered a few lustful blows in the penultimate over.

With a spectacular five-wicket victory, Nicholas Pooran hit the first ball over cow corner for a maximum.

It all comes down to faith, I suppose, and believing in oneself. I simply believed that we ought to form a relationship. In the dead-end, remain composed, comprehend what the individuals are attempting to perform, and simply use our expertise. I thought there was a chance. Pooran stated following the game, “It really helped me as well, and Romario (Shepherd) definitely came out and did their part in the end there.”

We’re overjoyed for Farooqi and Tom. Farooqi has been a reliable player for us over the past three years, and we are thrilled that these players are having the opportunity to rule the competition. Doing precisely what the team desires is ultimately what counts. We’re nearing the finish of the competition, and winning the title is undoubtedly the ultimate objective.

If we don’t win the chip, it doesn’t really matter if we acquire a belt, score more runs, or take more wickets. We’re quite thrilled for these folks right now, though. In addition, he stated, “We want to keep helping them through both good and bad times, and do it for the team first and foremost.”