Mendis and Farooqi engineer a huge triumph for MI Emirates

Kamindu Mendis and Fazalhaq Farooqi combined to take seven wickets, directly orchestrating MI Emirates’ comfortable seven-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The Knight Riders collapsed to 122 all out, a low total that Emirates chased down easily in the 14th over.

Farooqi and Romario Shepherd dominated the PowerPlay, removing Phil Salt and Alex Hales early. Subsequently, Mendis dismantled the middle order, dismissing McMullen, Livingstone, and Rutherford to leave them reeling at 74 for 5. Although Alishan Sharfu and Sunil Narine briefly rallied past 100, Farooqi returned to clean up the tail, while Rashid Khan contributed one wicket.

In response, Muhammad Waseem and Jonny Bairstow started rapidly. Despite losing Waseem and Nicholas Pooran, a decisive 64-run partnership between Bairstow and Tom Banton effectively secured the result. After Banton fell for 29 with victory very near, Mendis arrived to smash the winning six off Olly Stone, capping a truly dominant performance.