Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher Create History as MI Emirates Crush Desert Vipers

Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher Create History as MI Emirates Crush Desert Vipers

A Record-Breaking Night for MI Emirates

In a dazzling display of power and precision, the MI Emirates delivered a dominant performance to register a crushing 154-run victory over the Desert Vipers in DP World ILT20 Season 3. At the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher etched their names in the record books with a scintillating 198-run partnership—the highest for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil.

Banton’s breathtaking second century of the season made him the first batter in DP World ILT20 history to achieve this feat, while Fletcher’s unbeaten 96 showcased his consistency and flair. The duo’s heroics propelled MI Emirates to a massive total of 228/2, the second-highest score in the tournament’s history.

Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher Dominate the Vipers’ Bowling

Opting to bat first, the MI Emirates endured an early setback as Muhammad Waseem fell to Mohammad Amir after a brief cameo of 19. Amir’s tight bowling kept the Emirates’ scoring rate in check during the powerplay, with the team managing only 40/1 in the first six overs.

What followed was a batting masterclass from Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher. Initially cautious, the pair took 37 balls to build their first 41 runs. However, the 10th over marked a turning point as Banton attacked Nathan Sowter, smashing a six and a four to accelerate the scoring.

Fletcher reached his half-century off 32 balls, while Banton followed suit in 38 deliveries. From then on, it was pure carnage as the pair unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes. The final five overs saw the duo plunder 92 runs, with Banton hammering Dan Lawrence for three consecutive sixes.

Banton’s 105 off 52 balls, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, was a testament to his ability to balance aggression with control. Fletcher’s unbeaten 96 off 50 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes, ensured the Emirates finished at an imposing 228/2.

Reflecting on his innings, Banton said, “I didn’t get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the better chance I had. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we don’t want to take it for granted.”

Desert Vipers Collapse in Chase

Chasing 229 was always going to be a daunting task for the Desert Vipers, and their hopes were dashed early as Muhammad Rohid struck in the second over to dismiss Fakhar Zaman for seven. Rohid continued to wreak havoc, claiming the wickets of Sam Curran and Azam Khan to finish with figures of 3 for 24.

Adding to the Vipers’ misery, Fazalhaq Farooqi removed the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph dismissed Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose. By the end of the powerplay, the Vipers were tottering at 32/5, with their top order in shambles.

Kieron Pollard and Romario Shepherd offered some resistance, but it was too little, too late. Pollard’s 11 and Azam Khan’s 12 were the only double-digit scores in a dismal batting display. The Vipers were bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs, matching the record for the lowest total in DP World ILT20 history.

The Emirates’ bowlers, led by Rohid and Joseph (3 for 17), delivered a clinical performance. Dan Mousley (2 for 8) and Farooqi (2 for 10) cleaned up the tail to seal the emphatic win.

Sam Curran Reflects on the Loss

The Desert Vipers, captained by Sam Curran in Lockie Ferguson’s absence, were left to regroup after the crushing defeat. Curran acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, saying, “We were a little off with our fielding and energy. It’s a quick tournament, so we’ll have another chance to bounce back. Credit to Banton and Fletcher for their brilliant performances.”

MI Emirates Climb the Points Table

This victory not only boosted the MI Emirates’ confidence but also propelled them to second place on the points table with eight points and a net run rate of +1.11. The Desert Vipers, despite the loss, remain at the top with six wins from eight matches.

The massive win highlighted the Emirates’ potential as title contenders, with their batting and bowling firing in unison.

A Night to Remember for MI Emirates

The historic partnership between Tom Banton and Andre Fletcher will be remembered as one of the finest batting displays in the DP World ILT20. Their ability to adapt, build, and accelerate set a new benchmark for partnerships in the tournament.

For cricket fans, this match served as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket. As the league progresses, teams will aim to replicate such dominant performances in their quest for glory.