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In the 14th match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, MI Emirates bowler Romario Shepherd put on a scintillating all-round display, leading his team to victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The match witnessed a stunning bowling performance from Shepherd, who took two crucial wickets, including one of ADKR’s key batter, Alishan Sharafu, with a breathtaking delivery.
A bowling masterclass from Romario Shepherd
The drama unfolded in the 6th over of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ innings, as Shepherd took center stage. With the Knight Riders already under pressure, Shepherd delivered a ball that would leave a lasting impression on fans and players alike. Shepherd, with his impeccable line and length, bowled just outside off stump, and the ball nipped back in sharply, catching Sharafu right on the crease. The delivery sliced through the gate and sent the top of the off-stump flying. Sharafu, who was in no position to respond, was bowled out for just 4 runs off 3 balls.
Here is the video:
Sharafu loses his off-stump 🥲
Aaj ka din kaafi 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 jaa raha hai Shepherd ke liye 😎#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #ADKRvMIE pic.twitter.com/O3wusajkEg
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 21, 2025
Before dismissing Sharafu, Shepherd had already accounted for another key wicket in the same over. On the 3rd ball of the 6th over, he dismissed Michael Pepper who had looked dangerous in the early stages of his innings. Shepherd delivered a full ball angling into the stumps, and Pepper attempted to force it down the ground but could only manage a thick outside edge, which was safely caught by Nicholas Pooran behind the stumps.
Not only did Shepherd shine with the ball, but he also made a tremendous impact with the bat. Earlier in the MI Emirates’ innings, he unleashed a devastating display of batting, scoring 38 runs off just 13 balls. Shepherd hit 4 fours and three sixes, achieving a mind-blowing strike rate of 292.31.
Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi sends David Willey packing with a blazing yorker in the ILT20 2025
Nicholas Pooran shines in MI Emirates’ innings
MI Emirates secured a comprehensive 28-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in an engaging T20 clash. Winning the toss, ADKR elected to bowl first.
MI Emirates posted a competitive total of 186/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Pooran led from the front, smashing a quickfire 49 off 26 balls, laced with five fours and two towering sixes. Opener Muhammad Waseem provided stability with 38 runs off 35 deliveries, including a solitary four and three sixes. Jason Holder and Ali Khan claimed two wickets each for ADKR, while Ibrar Ahmad chipped in with one.
MI Emirates’ bowlers seal the victory
In response, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders could only muster 158/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Andries Gous scored 34 off 34 balls at the top, while Andre Russell’s power-packed 37 off 23 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes, kept ADKR’s hopes alive. However, the disciplined bowling of MI Emirates proved too strong.
Alongside Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph also impressed with a couple of wickets, while Akeal Hosein, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheil, and Zahoor Khan contributed with one wicket each. Shepherd’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, as MI Emirates celebrated a well-earned 28-run victory.
