Nicholas Pooran was in the form of his life as he guided MI Emirates to their first victory of the season in Dubai, defeating Gulf Giants by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday evening in Season 3 of the ILT20. The MI Emirates skipper, who finished unbeaten on 58 off 37 deliveries, was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
Overall, it was MI Emirates’ fifth win of the season in nine games as they maintained their second position in the league standings.
Put in to bat first, Gulf Giants got off to a brisk start with openers Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince finding the boundaries regularly. The pair looked threatening before Akeal Hosein dismissed Erasmus for 12 in the third over. Jordan Cox then joined Vince in the middle, and the duo maintained a strong scoring rate, guiding the Giants to 52/1 at the end of the powerplay. They built a solid 51-run partnership before Alzarri Joseph broke the stand in the 10th over.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Tom Curran chipped in with 13, while Vince carried on and notched up his half-century. As the innings entered its final phase, Vince, playing a captain’s knock, had Shimron Hetmyer for company. The Giants capitalised on their platform with a big 16th over, yielding 19 runs as Vince showcased his power-hitting ability.
However, MI Emirates responded by applying the brakes, dismissing Hetmyer for 15 and Vince for 86 off 50 balls – his highest ILT20 score. Tim David and Chris Jordan contributed 10 runs each at the death, helping Gulf Giants post 173/6 in 20 overs.

In response, MI Emirates came out firing. Openers Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem scored freely, racing to 44 before Waseem departed for 26 off 10. Tom Banton added 11 before Aayan Khan claimed his wicket, and Vince then ran out Kusal Perera for just one.
Fletcher, who was holding the innings together, scored 31 before being bowled by Blessing Muzarabani, who impressed with figures of 1 for 17 in four overs. At this stage, MI Emirates needed a steadying partnership, with Pooran and Bevon Jacobs taking charge.
Requiring 71 runs off the last five overs with six wickets in hand, Pooran and Jacobs accelerated, adding 53 off 33 balls. Jacobs departed for 18, falling to Chris Jordan, but Pooran remained composed with Romario Shepherd offering support.

The 18th over saw Pooran reach his half-century, shifting the pressure onto the Giants. Shepherd then struck a few powerful blows in the penultimate over, leaving MI Emirates needing just six runs off the final over. Pooran wasted no time, smashing the first ball over cow corner for a maximum to seal a thrilling five-wicket win.
Speaking after the game, Pooran said, “I knew I had to get the job done and had to be there till the end. I am more experienced now and know what’s required. The key is to trust yourself to absorb the pressure.”
Gulf Giants’ captain James Vince reflected on the loss, stating, “We didn’t feel it was that straightforward out there. There was some turn for the slower bowlers, but we dropped a catch, and it ultimately cost us tonight. Tonight hasn’t gone well for us.”
Brief Scores