MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran showered praise on Tom Banton after they registered a 26-run win against Dubai Capitals at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Monday. After the Capitals captain Sikandar Raza decided to bowl first, MI Emirates lost two quick wickets of Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera. 

However, Nicholas Pooran and Tom Banton added 109 runs for the third wicket alliance to put their team in front. While Pooran scored a blistering knock of 59 runs off just 29 balls with a strike rate of over 200, Banton contributed 74 runs off 52 balls to help his team post a par score of 187 runs on the board. Banton scored nine fours and two sixes in his brilliant knock.

Nicholas Pooran said in the post-match presentation, “It feels good. Last game we should have got over the line. Nothing comes easy. New conditions, everyone needs to get accustomed to the conditions. (Turning point in this match) The over Farooqi bowled, he picked two wickets, those were crucial blows. (On Banton) Over the last couple of months, he’s been batting fantastically. He’s maturing and growing. We know his talent.”

Meanwhile, Tom Banton was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning knock for MI Emirates. 

He said after the win, “It was tricky to begin, Olly Stone was bowling really well, a good friend of mine and I didn’t want to get out as well. We spoke about someone having to bat through the innings as we’ve got a lot of power all the way down. Today it paid off for me. Batting with Nicky, it was the first time and I was in awe a little bit. I took my time and then ball was in my area, I looked to put the pressure back on the bowlers. Nicky kept telling me to take it deep. I have played a lot of cricket here, the wickets are always good. First year here, I was with MI Cape Town last year. Every game, someone has to put his hand up and today it was me.”

On the other hand, Dubai Capitals opener Shai Hope scored a fine knock of 101 runs off 59 balls but he was the lone warrior for his team.