Shakibs MI Emirates sit second on the points table with a commanding win

Shakib Al Hasan’s MI Emirates continued their winning run in the International League T20, securing another convincing victory. At the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, MI Emirates defeated the Gulf Giants by eight wickets. The win further cemented Shakib’s side in second place on the points table.
Although the Bangladeshi all-rounder did not pick up a wicket on the day, he was characteristically economical with the ball. Shakib conceded just 10 runs from his two overs and bowled seven dot balls, playing a key role in maintaining pressure on the opposition.
After winning the toss, MI Emirates opted to bowl first. Batting first, the Gulf Giants posted 141 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Moeen Ali top-scored for the Giants with 51 runs, while Kyle Mayers added 28. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 14 runs. For MI Emirates, Romario Shepherd and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed two wickets each.
Chasing a modest target, MI Emirates lost two early wickets but never looked under pressure. Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton were dismissed without scoring, after which Muhammad Waseem and Nicholas Pooran took control of the chase. Waseem remained unbeaten on 59 off 42 balls to earn the Player of the Match award, while Pooran struck an unbeaten 69 from 49 deliveries. MI Emirates sealed the win with 21 balls to spare.
For the Gulf Giants, Mark Adair and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to change the course of the match. Under Shakib’s leadership, this balanced performance has further boosted MI Emirates’ confidence in their push for the tournament title.