MI Emirates left no stone unturned on Monday, showcasing their prowess with a commanding 154-run victory over the Desert Vipers during the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The victory not only marked MI Emirates' rise to the second spot on the points table but also demonstrated the team's ability to bounce back after consecutive losses.
Tom Banton stole the spotlight, scoring his second century of the tournament, amassing 105 runs off just 55 balls. His innings was laced with nine fours and seven sixes, helping his team set a whopping total of 228 for two. Partnering with Andre Fletcher, who also crafted an impressive unbeaten 96 off 50 balls, the duo forged a massive 198-run partnership for the second wicket, registering the highest stand ever for any wicket on UAE soil.
The pair's stellar performance came after MI Emirates lost opener Muhammad Waseem early, at 24. Even with the early hiccup, Fletcher and Banton took command, collectively dismantling the Vipers' bowling attack. Banton's run out off the penultimate ball capped off a stellar innings and underscored his seamless execution under pressure.
On the bowling front, MI Emirates didn't relent either, as they bowled out Desert Vipers for just 74 runs, matching their own record for the lowest score across three seasons of the ILT20. The MI Emirates bowlers were relentless, with Alzarri Joseph and Muhammad Rohid leading the charge, each securing three wickets and causing chaos among the Vipers batting lineup.
Desert Vipers, who had been among the tournament's top contenders, found themselves on the back foot right from the start of their innings. They lost their first wicket for just nine runs, and the subsequent loss of wickets unfolded rapidly, leaving them precariously placed at 32 for five after the powerplay. Only Sam Curran and Azam Khan managed to reach double figures, and the Vipers' batting collapse was both shocking and total.
Reflecting on his match performance, Banton remarked, "I didn't get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the greater chance I had. Sometimes you don't time it as well as you like, and sometimes you do," adding, "It’s about looking at the match situation and scenario, not just teeing off. We came here on the back of two losses and were under pressure, but it’s a special night for MI Emirates, and we don’t want to take it for granted.”
Desert Vipers’ stand-in captain, Lockie Ferguson, expressed disappointment over the loss but remained optimistic for the team’s future performance. He stated, "We just get the game out of the way and move on. That can happen in cricket. We were off with our fielding and energy. This is such a quick tournament, and we play again the day after tomorrow, so we’ll have another chance. We can bounce back, and there’s no need to panic. It’s about learning and reflecting." His remarks indicated the need for the Vipers to regroup and prepare for upcoming challenges.
The match result is significant not only for MI Emirates' standings but also because the 154-run margin is the second-largest victory margin recorded in the tournament's history, trailing only the 157-run win against the Vipers last season. This historic win will certainly boost MI Emirates’ net run rate and instill confidence as they continue their campaign.
Match statistics revealed the extent of MI Emirates’ dominance: they not only amassed one of the highest totals of the tournament but also managed to dismantle the Vipers' batting lineup with visibility and flair. The match's conclusion saw Desert Vipers' players leaving the pitch with heads down, having faced one of the most comprehensive defeats in T20 history.
MI Emirates' performance can be attributed to teamwork and individual brilliance, with each player's effort translating to impactful results on the field. Tom Banton’s brilliance, alongside Andre Fletcher's resilience, exemplifies what can be achieved when players are firing on all cylinders.
The fixtures now leave MI Emirates with hope and momentum, able to challenge their opponents as they climb the league standings. The Road to the title remains open, with the team's next match fast approaching.
Brief Scores:
MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
MI Emirates: 228/2 (20 overs) - Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96*
Desert Vipers: 74 all out (12.3 overs) - Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11
Bowling Stars for MI Emirates: Muhammad Rohid 3/24, Alzarri Joseph 3/17, Dan Mousley 2/8.