Dubai Capitals beat MI Emirates in ILT20 run-fest

Rovman Powell smashes 10 sixes as part of a breathtaking 97 as more than 400 runs are scored in Abu Dhabi

The Cricketer | 22/01/2023 at 19:01

Abu Dhabi: Dubai Capitals 222-3, MI Emirates 206-5 - Dubai Capitals won by 16 runs

Rovman Powell cracked 10 sixes as part of an explosive 97 not out as Dubai Capitals beat MI Emirates in the International League T20.

The West Indian hammered 14 boundaries as Capitals hit the tournament's highest score of 222 for 3.

Joe Root struck 82 from 54 balls (eight fours, three sixes) as part of a 109-run second wicket stand.

MI Emirates needed 70 from the final three overs and Najibullah Zadran (30) gave them late hope with four sixes off the 18th overs bowled by Chamika Karunaratne.

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^{Kieron Pollard produced an explosive performance of his own (KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)}

But the Afghan was dismissed in a boundaryless over from Fred Klaasesen to help secure victory.

The result leaves Emirates in third, two points behind the victorious Capitals who picked up their second tournament victory.

In a match during which 428 runs were scored, the rope was cleared 27 times in 40 overs.

Kieron Pollard struck six of them during a 38-ball 86 but MI finished up 16 runs short on 206 for 5, the third-best total of the tournament thus far.

In contrast, it was a damaging day for the bowlers. Samit Patel's only over went for 20, Muhammad Waseem shipped 15 from his single over, while in the chase Karunaratne (1 for 56) and Powell (1 for 28) took heavy punishment.