ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Andre Fletcher’s half-century condemned star-studded Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to yet another defeat in the International League T20, as MI Emirates marched to a five-wicket win in a last-ball finish here Saturday.
After rallying to 170 for seven off their 20 overs behind Dhananjaya de Silva’s 65 from 40 deliveries, winless Knight Riders could only watch as the 35-year-old Fletcher carved out 53 from 43 balls with four fours and a six, to take Emirates over the line.
Knight Riders were still the favoured side at the start of the final over, however, with Emirates needing 20 runs for victory.
But veteran former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (15 not out) blasted 12 runs from the first three deliveries – including a six and a four – from former international teammate Andre Russell before scrambling a single off the fourth ball.
With seven runs still required, Najibullah Zadran, who finished with a 17-ball unbeaten 35, lashed sixes off the last two deliveries to provide a dramatic finish.
The defeat was Knight Riders’ fifth on the trot while Emirates, led by former West Indies white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard, picked up their third win to remain unbeaten. Jamaican Kennar Lewis fell without scoring to the third ball of the game after Knight Riders were sent in and even though Dhananjaya, who struck eight fours and a couple of sixes, added 33 for the second wicket with West Indies’ Brandon King (6), the innings was still labouring on 48 for three at the start of the eighth over, when West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer perished for three.
Dhananjaya then patched up the innings in a 45-run, fourth wicket partnership with Charith Asalanka (23) before captain Sunil Narine lashed an 18-ball unbeaten 28 to inspire a critical 34-run, unbroken fourth wicket partnership with fellow Trinidadian Akeal Hosein (five not out).
Emirates stumbled early in their reply at 27 for two in the fifth but Fletcher combined with another former West Indies white-ball captain, Nicholas Pooran (20), to add 55 for the third wicket and bolster the run chase.
When they fell 16 runs and 18 balls apart, Pollard ensured there was no further collapse, hitting 31 from 23 balls with four fours to lead a 44-run fifth wicket stand Najibullah, who then provided the finishing touches.
