ILT20 2024 Final: In a riveting encounter at the Dubai International Stadium (DSC) on February 14, 2024, MI Emirates emerged victorious against Gulf Giants in Qualifier 1 of the International League T20. The contest showcased outstanding performances, with Akeal Hosein earning the Player of the Match title for his brilliant bowling display, while Daniel Worrall claimed appreciation for a noteworthy all-around contribution.
MI Emirates set a formidable target of 163/7 in their 20 overs, displaying a balanced batting performance. Despite early setbacks, including the departure of Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher, Kusal Perera and Nicholas Pooran steadied the ship with vital contributions. Dwayne Bravo and Tim David further propelled the innings, guiding MI Emirates to a competitive total. Akeal Hosein’s crucial cameo in the end added valuable runs, taking the team to 163/7.
Gulf Giants, in pursuit of 164 runs, faced a formidable MI Emirates bowling attack led by Akeal Hosein, who delivered a stellar performance with figures of 2/13 in his four overs. Trent Boult and Muhammad Rohid also contributed with crucial wickets, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth emerged as the star bowler, claiming three wickets for 22 runs. The Giants, despite efforts from Chris Jordan, fell short and were bowled out for 118 in 18.2 overs.
MI Emirates Rollercoaster Ride in the Group Stage: An Initial Hiccup to ILT20 2024 Final
Despite facing an initial setback with a loss in their first group stage match, MI Emirates displayed resilience by clinching victory in the next four encounters, establishing themselves as frontrunners. A hiccup against the Desert Vipers was swiftly countered with another win, securing a coveted top-four position. However, two subsequent losses in the final matches raised concerns among the team’s leadership about a potential losing streak. Despite these setbacks, MI Emirates managed to claim the top spot on the table, narrowly edging out the Giants based on run rate.
On the other hand, the Giants faced a challenging journey, securing only two wins in their initial six matches and struggling to find their footing in the top four. The team’s fortunes took a positive turn with three consecutive victories in the remaining matches, allowing them not only to secure a top-four berth but also position themselves second to MI Emirates based on run rate.
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