Banton, Fletcher shatter records as MIE humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs

Tom Banton etched his name in ILT20 history, becoming the first batter to score two centuries in the competition as MI Emirates cruised to a commanding 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The triumph also marked the second highest margin for a victory in the ILT20. Banton combined with Andre Fletcher to construct the highest stand for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil at 198 runs. Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 runs, while Banton scored 105 runs to steer the MI Emirates to 228/2 - the second highest total in the ILT20 history.

In response, the Vipers only managed 74 runs matching the record for the lowest score across three seasons of the DP World ILT20. Muhammad Rohid made early inroads as he sent back Fakhar Zaman for only seven runs in the second over. Rohid went on to claim Sam Curran and Azam Khan later in the innings as well to finish with figures of 3 for 24.

Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph bagged Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose to leave the Vipers reeling at 32/5 by the end of the powerplay.

With only two batters crossing double figures the Vipers were eventually bowled out for 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dan Mousley picked up two wickets, while Farooqi and Alzarri picked up a wicket each to sweep up the tail.

Invited to bat first, the MI Emirates lost Muhammad Waseem after he struck two consecutive sixes off Dhruv Parashar, to Mohammad Amir in the third over. Amir was economical in the powerplay only conceding 13 runs as the MI Emirates finished the first six overs at 40/1.

What followed was destruction from Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher. The duo initially played with restraint, taking 37 balls to put together their first 41 runs. But the tide turned in the 10th over when Banton took on Nathan Sowter, smashing him for a six and a four in a 16-run over.

Fletcher brought up his half-century off 32 balls, with Banton following suit in 38 deliveries. From there, it was pure carnage. The pair plundered 92 runs in the final five overs of the MI Emirates innings.

Banton was the star of the show, reaching his second century of the season in just 52 balls. His knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, included three consecutive sixes off Dan Lawrence. Banton became the first batter in the tournament’s history to score two centuries, before being run out for 105 in the final over.

Andre Fletcher was not far behind as he remained unbeaten on 96 runs in 50 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes as the MI Emirates were catapulted to 228/2 in 20 overs.

Hope reveals happiness with Capitals Record Breaking Chase: Dubai Capitals are on the ascent having conquered three matches in succession while recording the highest run chase 207-2 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in DP World ILT20 history.

Aside from the brilliant partnership between the heavy hitters namely Gulbadin Naib (Player of the Match scoring 80 out of 47 balls) and Shai Hope (not out with a total score of 74 from 53 balls), Dubai Capitals have now reinforced themselves as the quickest shift on the points table while looking ahead to secure the title at the third edition of ILT20.

The most talked about moment in the match was the 135 run, second wicket partnership between Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib that set up the run chase for the Capitals.

Dubai Capitals member Shai Hope who was the leading chaser alongside Gulbadin Naib was all happy to share progress , he shared, “I always tell the guys in the dressing room to try not to fight that white line too often. Actually, hit the ball where they want you to hit. Try to get some twos. If you hit it well enough, you get a four, maybe a six in between.”