Abu Dhabi Clinch 7 runs Win in a Thriller
Abu Dhabi have won by 7 runs. Abu Dhabi batted first and posted 158/6 in 20 overs. Emirates Blues, chasing 159, fell short at 151/8 in 20 overs.
Muhammad Zuhaib Zubair was the standout in the first innings, scoring 39* off 31 balls (SR 126). 2 sixes and 2 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 50 runs.
Ahmed Tariq fought hard with 61 off 40 balls, but it was not enough to haul Emirates Blues over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Nabeel Aziz delivered figures of 3/21 in 4 overs (Econ 5.3). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
EMB lead the series 21-11. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 4 of the first innings was the inflection point — 18 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
61 off 40 balls (SR 153), 5 fours, 1 sixes
3/21 in 4 overs (Econ: 5.25)
39* off 31 balls (SR 126), 2 fours, 2 sixes
Verdict
Abu Dhabi showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Emirates Blues came up short by 7 runs. There were passages where they looked competitive, but consistency eluded them when it mattered. EMB lead the series 21-11. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.