ILT20: Shai Hope’s century goes in vain as MI Emirates beat Dubai Capitals by 26 runs – Times of India

The MI Emirates claimed their first victory of the ILT20 2025 season with a commanding 26-run win against the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran set the stage for a strong performance, while Fazalhaq Farooqi‘s brilliant bowling sealed the deal.
Despite a heroic century from Shai Hope, the Dubai Capitals suffered their first loss against MI Emirates in the tournament’s history. Hope’s 101 off 59 balls, the first century for a Capitals player in the ILT20 and only the third in the competition’s history, was in vain as the Emirates’ bowlers turned the tide late in the game.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Chasing a target of 188, the Capitals started cautiously, with Akeal Hosein’s spin nearly providing an early breakthrough. A dropped catch by Waqar Salamkheil gave Hope a reprieve, allowing him to anchor the innings. Alzarri Joseph dismissed Ben Dunk in the powerplay, but Hope brought up his fifty in 32 balls, partnering with McMullen for a 61-run stand before the latter was stumped by Pooran.

Hope’s century came in spectacular fashion, hitting AM Ghazanfar for a four and a six. However, his dismissal on the next ball shifted momentum to the Emirates. Farooqi delivered a game-changing over, bowling Sikandar Raza and Dasun Shanaka with successive yorkers, leaving the Capitals reeling. Zahoor Khan followed up with an economical penultimate over, and the Capitals found the final over target of 36 runs insurmountable, ending their chase at 161.
Earlier in the evening, the MI Emirates overcame a shaky start to post a competitive total of 187 for 7. Dushmantha Chameera struck with the very first delivery, removing Kusal Perera and putting the Capitals on the front foot. Tom Banton steadied the innings alongside Muhammad Waseem, adding 38 runs before Raza’s sharp throw from mid-off ended Waseem’s innings.
Banton brought stability, crafting a well-paced 74 off 52 balls, while Pooran provided fireworks with his explosive 59 off 29 deliveries. Pooran smashed Olly Stone for three consecutive sixes in the 15th over before falling in pursuit of a fourth. Kieron Pollard contributed 22 off 19 as the Emirates posted a formidable target.

Despite Hope’s brilliance, the Capitals faltered under the pressure of disciplined bowling. Farooqi, with figures of 2-22, and Zahoor Khan’s tight spells proved decisive in the Emirates’ maiden victory.
Reflecting on the loss, Hope admitted, “A hundred always feels sweeter when it contributes to a win. Unfortunately, we fell short with the bat today.”
Meanwhile, Player of the Match Tom Banton highlighted his role in anchoring the innings, saying, “It was tricky at the start, but we had spoken about someone batting through. I’m glad I could contribute to the team’s first win.”
The victory gives MI Emirates much-needed momentum as they look to build on this performance in the season ahead.
Brief scores: