ABU DHABI: Tom Banton etched his name in DP World ILT20 history by becoming the first batter to score two centuries in the competition as MI Emirates cruised to a commanding 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The triumph also marked the second-highest victory margin in the DP World ILT20. Banton combined with Andre Fletcher to construct the highest stand for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil at 198 runs.
Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 runs and Banton scored 105 runs to steer the MI Emirates to 228/2 — the second-highest total in DP World ILT20 history.
In response, the Vipers only managed 74 runs, matching the record for the lowest score across three seasons of the DP World ILT20.
Muhammad Rohid made early inroads as he sent back Fakhar Zaman for only seven runs in the second over. Rohid went on to claim Sam Curran and Azam Khan later in the innings to finish with figures of 3/24.
Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the wicket of the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph bagged Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose to leave the Vipers reeling at 32/5 by the end of the powerplay.
With only two batters crossing double figures the Vipers were eventually bowled out for 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dan Mousley picked up two wickets, while Farooqi and Alzarri picked up a wicket each to sweep up the tail.
Invited to bat first, the MI Emirates lost Muhammad Waseem, after he struck two consecutive sixes off Dhruv Parashar, to Mohammad Amir in the third over. Amir was economical in the powerplay only conceding 13 runs as the MI Emirates finished the first six overs at 40/1.
What followed was destruction from Banton and Fletcher. They initially played with restraint, taking 37 balls for their first 41 runs. But the tide turned in the 10th over when Banton took on Nathan Sowter, smashing him for a six and a four in a 16-run over.
Fletcher brought up his half-century off 32 balls, with Banton following suit in 38 deliveries. From there, it was pure carnage. The pair plundered 92 runs in the final five overs of the MI Emirates’ innings.
Banton was the star of the show, reaching his second century of the season in just 52 balls. His knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, included three consecutive sixes off Lawrence. He was run out for 105 in the final over.
Fletcher was not far behind as he remained unbeaten on 96 runs in 50 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes as the MI Emirates were catapulted to 228/2 in 20 overs.
Player of the match Banton said: “I didn’t get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the better chance I had. Sometimes you don’t time it as well as you’d like, and sometimes you do.
“As a top-order batter, you come up against very good bowlers, so having a good technique is important. It’s about looking at the match situation and scenario, not just teeing off.
“We came into this game on the back of two losses and were a bit under pressure. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we don’t want to take it for granted.”
Captaining the Desert Vipers in place of Lockie Ferguson, who was rested for the encounter, Curran said: “We just get the game out of the way and move on. That can happen in cricket.
“We were a little off with our fielding and energy. It’s such a quick tournament, and we play again the day after tomorrow, so we’ll have another chance.
“We can bounce back, and there’s no need to panic. It’s about learning and reflecting. Both of them played well, and I’m glad to see my fellow Englishman, and Fletcher, playing so well.”
Brief Scores
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MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
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MI Emirates 228/2 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96 not out, Muhammad Waseem 19, Mohammad Amir 1 for 36)
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Desert Vipers 74/10 in 12.3 overs (Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11, Muhammad Rohid 3 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 17, Dan Mousley 2 for 8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 10)
