Young UAE batter Alishan Sharafu produces special knock against MI Emirates

Abu Dhabi: Alishan Sharafu, Jason Holder, and Kyle Mayers played pivotal roles in Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ 42-run win over MI Emirates in Season 3 of the DP World ILT20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Friday evening. The victory lifted the Knight Riders to third place on the points table, trailing MI Emirates and Desert Vipers.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a sluggish start and were reeling at 79 for four in the 12th over. UAE opener Alishan, who has adapted to a middle-order role for the Knight Riders this season, provided much-needed momentum. He stitched a vital 72-run partnership with Roston Chase for the fifth wicket, setting the stage for a competitive total of 182 for seven.

“It was a pretty special one, and I didn’t get many in all the other games, so wanted to cash in today. The wicket was a bit on the slower side, but once you bat a few balls, you can try to take it from there,” said 22-year-old Alishan Sharafu, the Player of the Match, after his crucial 55-run innings rescued the Abu Dhabi outfit from early trouble.

In response, MI Emirates struggled from the outset as Kyle Mayers ripped through the top order, claiming three quick wickets, including captain Nicholas Pooran. David Willey compounded their troubles, leaving MI Emirates floundering at 36 for four by the end of the powerplay.

UAE’s T20 skipper Muhammad Waseem, who won the Blue Belt for the top UAE player in the last two editions, showed early promise with three sixes in his 19. However, his stay was cut short, dashing any hopes of an early recovery for MI Emirates.

Dan Mousley and Kieron Pollard cautiously rebuilt the innings after the initial collapse. While Mousley fell after contributing to a 33-run stand, Pollard took charge, reaching a patient half-century.

Pollard turned up the heat in the 17th over, smashing a six and three boundaries to spark hopes of an unlikely comeback. However, his unbeaten 69 off 42 balls, featuring four boundaries and as many sixes, wasn’t enough to prevent MI Emirates from falling short.

Jason Holder capped off an all-round display, taking two for 28 to go with his unbeaten 22 runs earlier in the game.

Reflecting on the loss, MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran said, “Losing four wickets in the powerplay was tough during the chase. They also had a good left-right combination going; they had a good partnership that pushed the game forward.”

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders beat MI Emirates by 42 runs. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 182/7 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 55, Charith Asalanka 32, Jason Holder 22 not out; Alzarri Joseph 3/32, Fazalhaq Farooqi 1/27) MI Emirates 140/6 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 69 not out; Kyle Mayers 3/25, Jason Holder 2/28). Player of the Match: Alishan Sharafu.