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In the world of T20 cricket, records are meant to be broken, and on January 27, 2025, Tom Banton made history by celebrating his second century in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025. His explosive batting performance led MI Emirates to a resounding 154-run victory over the Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This match not only showcased Banton’s prowess but also highlighted the dominance of MI Emirates as they dismantled the table-toppers with a display of sheer power and precision.
Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton’s record-breaking partnership
The match began with Desert Vipers winning the toss and opting to bowl first. However, their decision quickly backfired as MI Emirates set the stage for an impressive innings. After losing opener Muhammad Waseem to Mohammad Amir early on, Banton teamed up with Andre Fletcher to forge a remarkable partnership. Together, they amassed a staggering 198 runs for the second wicket, a record for the ILT20. Banton’s aggressive approach saw him score 105 runs off just 55 balls, while Fletcher supported him with an unbeaten 96 runs from 50 deliveries. Their partnership was pivotal in propelling MI Emirates to a formidable total of 228 runs for the loss of just two wickets.
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Banton elates MI Emirates with another ton in ILT20 2025
Banton’s innings was characterized by explosive hitting and calculated aggression. After initially settling in, he shifted gears dramatically in the latter stages of the innings. In a breathtaking display of power hitting, he struck three consecutive sixes off spinner Daniel Lawrence and followed it up with several boundaries that left the Vipers’ bowlers reeling. Reaching his century in just 52 balls, Banton became the first player in ILT20 history to score two centuries, having previously achieved this feat only a week earlier against Sharjah Warriorz. His innings included nine fours and seven sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers across various formats.
Here’s the video:
Ban𝐓𝐎𝐍 No. 2️⃣ 💯💯
An innings to savour from the #MIE talisman as he notches another century in #DPWorldILT20 S3!#T20HeroesKaJalwa #ILT20onZee #MIEvDV pic.twitter.com/r0bCQai20F
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 27, 2025
Desert Vipers’ disastrous chase
Chasing an imposing target of 229 runs, Desert Vipers fell apart spectacularly. The MI Emirates bowlers were relentless, with Muhammad Rohid Khan and Alzarri Joseph leading the charge. The Vipers lost their first wicket early and struggled to build any momentum throughout their innings. They were eventually bowled out for a mere 74 runs in just 12.3 overs, marking one of the lowest totals in ILT20 history. Only Sam Curran and Azam Khan managed to reach double figures, while several key players like Alex Hales and Daniel Lawrence failed to make significant contributions.
Banton’s performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, reflecting his crucial role in MI Emirates’ victory. In his post-match interview, he expressed gratitude for his team’s efforts and emphasized the importance of building partnerships under pressure.
“We’ve come off the back of two losses so we were under some pressure. Me and Fletcher spoke about taking it deep, special night for MI Emirates, don’t want to take it for granted,” Banton stated in the post-match presentation. This victory not only boosted MI Emirates’ standings but also served as a stark reminder of their potential as serious contenders in this year’s tournament.
