DC vs MI Emirates, 13th Match at Abu Dhabi, ILT20, Jan 22 2023 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Right, so this proved to be an absolute cracker of a game between the two heavyweights of ILT20. Do join us tomorrow for the match between Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors. Until next time, this is me Rvel signing off. Goodbye and thanks for joining us!

Rovman Powell, player of the match: "We knew the pitch was good, so tried to make good use of it. Just tried to pick up what the bowlers are trying to do, the pitch is a belter for the batters. Three defeats on the trot is not a good feeling. We were up against a top team today."

Kieron Pollard: "We showed the fight. To show the attitude to get close to 220 is fantastic from the batters. Sometimes we may get a great start and lose three quickly. Today we didn't start well. These things happen. Can't fault much from the guys. Under-par with the ball. Ball was still moving for seven-right overs. We could have used it a bit better. These things happen. Two games on the bounce, so can't fault them too much. We did discuss the net run rate scenario and spoke about closing it as much as possible."

Nicholas Pooran: "It was always going to be challenging to chase down 222. Pollard and Najibullah Zadran played wonderfully, but it was always going to be tough. But if we are going to lose like this, we really don't mind it."

Congratulations to Dubai Capitals and commiserations to MI Emirates who end up on the losing side after an exhilarating contest. They were chasing an uphill battle and 223 was always going to be a stiff challenge although Pollard and Zadran joined forces again to get them close to the target and did a pretty good job to keep their side in the hunt. However, Andre Fletcher was finding it tough to time the ball and his 35 off 34 deliveries took the momentum away. Earlier Joe Root and Rovman Powell shredded MI's bowling attack into pieces and lit up the Zayed Cricket Stadium with their splendid hitting. Together they hit 12 fours and 13 sixes.

Karthik : "Was a Fletcher's innings the difference between the teams?"

Adarsh: "With some better contributions from others, MI Emirates would have still been in the game. Pollard: 86 in 38 balls. Others: 47/3 in 58 balls"

Ayesh: "Thisara Peraera still a better option considering Chamika Karunarathna."

Abhinav : "Why did Pollard retire again?"

Jigar: "Only thing MI needed to win is just see Fletcher walking back by 12th or 15th over. Clearly he's the difference between win or loss today "