Pooran powers MI Emirates to a thrilling victory over Gulf Giants

West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran delivered a magnificent performance to guide his MI Emirates side to a crucial five-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

The MI Emirates skipper Pooran struck an unbeaten 58 off 37 balls to earn him the Player of the Match award as the Emirates chased down the 174 needed to secure victory.

The Gulf Giants were sent in to bat with openers Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince making a promising start, but Akeal Hosein dismissed Erasmus for 12 in the third over.

Vince then partnered with Jordan Cox, their 51-run stand kept the scoreboard ticking, but Alzarri Joseph ended Cox’s innings in the 10th over for 20.

Vince got a well-earned half-century and was joined by Shimron Hetmyer, as the pair hoped for an explosive finish.

A crucial 19-run in the 16th over gave the Giants a late boost, but MI Emirates dismissed Hetmyer for 15 and Vince for an impressive 86 off 50 balls.

Tim David and Chris Jordan were unbeaten on 10 each, taking the Gulf Giants to a respectable total of 173-6..

In reply, MI Emirates openers Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem began their attack on the bowlers and raced to 44 before Waseem fell on 26 off 10 balls.

Tom Banton contributed 11 before Aayan Khan struck again, and James Vince ran out Kusal Perera for just one, when MI Emirates found themselves in difficulty at 61 for three in the eight over.

Fletcher, however, continued scoring with a quick 31 before he was dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani. 

Pooran and Bevon Jacobs then came together to rebuild the innings.

Requiring 71 off the final five overs with six wickets in hand, Pooran and Jacobs stuck together and contributed a critical 53-run partnership in just 33 balls. However, Jacobs fell for 18, from a delivery off Chris Jordan, but Pooran remained courageous.

Romario Shepherd came to the crease, providing support, Pooran reached his half-century in the 18th over and Shepherd’s late fireworks of 23 off nine balls set up a tense finish, leaving MI Emirates needing six runs off the final over. 

Pooran wasted no time, sending the first ball for a towering six, to seal the sensational five-wicket victory.