Shakib stars as MI Emirates book place in ILT20 final

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan delivered a dominant all-round display as MI Emirates cruised to a seven-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20 Qualifier 2 at Sharjah on Friday, securing a spot in the final.

Shakib led the charge with the ball, helping MI Emirates restrict the Knight Riders to 120 for eight in 20 overs. The left-arm spinner was highly economical, giving away just 20 runs in his four overs. He received strong support from Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar, who took 3 for 24, while Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-30) and Muhammad Rohid (2-19) also claimed two wickets each.

The 38-year-old then made a telling impact with the bat during the chase. He came in during the eighth over with MI Emirates wobbling at 36 for two and Tom Banton struggling for fluency. Shakib quickly found his rhythm, relieving pressure and taking control of the innings.

He struck two boundaries off Piyush Chawla in the 11th over and then launched an assault on Liam Livingstone in the next, collecting 17 runs with two fours and a six. Shakib and Banton added 82 runs for the third wicket, with Banton anchoring the chase to remain unbeaten on 63 from 53 balls.

Shakib smashed five fours and a six before being dismissed in the 16th over, leaving MI Emirates just three runs short of victory. Banton then completed the chase as MI Emirates reached the target with 23 balls to spare.

For his match-winning all-round performance, Shakib was named Player of the Match.