In the 14th match of the tournament International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, MI Emirates bowler Romario Shepherd put on a dazzling all-round display, leading his team to victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match witnessed a stunning bowling performance from Shepherd, who claimed two crucial wickets, including one from ADKR’s key batsmen, Alishan Sharafwith breathtaking delivery.
Bowling masterclass by Romario Shepherd
The drama unfolded in the 6th over of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ innings, when Shepherd took center stage. With the Knight Riders already under pressure, Shepherd delivered a ball that would leave a lasting impression on the fans and players. Shepherd, with his impeccable line and length, bowled just outside the off-stump and the ball came back sharply, catching Sharafu right at the crease. The delivery smashed through the wicket and flew off the top of the stumps. Sharafu, who was in no position to reply, was dismissed for just 4 runs off 3 balls.
Here is the video:
Sharafu loses his stump 🥲
Aaj ka din kaafi 𝐀𝐆𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 jaa raha hai Shepherd ke liye 😎#ILT20onZee #T20HerojiKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #ADKRvMIE pic.twitter.com/O3wusajkEg
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 21, 2025
Before dismissing Sharafu, Shepherd had already taken another crucial wicket in the same over. On the 3rd ball of the 6th over, he dismissed Michael Pepper who looked dangerous in the early stages of his performance. Shepherd delivered a full ball slamming into the stumps and Pepper tried to push it down the ground but could only manage a thick outside edge, which he caught safely Nicholas Pooran behind the stumps.
Not only did Shepherd shine with the ball, but he also made a huge impact with the bat. Earlier in the MI Emirates innings, he put on a devastating batting display, scoring 38 runs off just 13 balls. Shepherd hit 4 fours and three sixes, achieving an amazing strike rate of 292.31.
Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi sends David Willey packing with a scorching yorker in ILT20 2025.
Nicholas Pooran shines in MI Emirates games
MI Emirates secured a comprehensive 28-run win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in an interesting T20 clash. Having won the toss, ADKR chose to throw the ball first.
MI Emirates posted a competitive total of 186/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Pooran led from the front, smashing a quick-fire 49 off 26 balls, interspersed with five fours and two towering sixes. Opener Muhammed Waseem provided stability with 38 runs off 35 deliveries including just four and three sixes. Jason Holder and Ali Khan claimed two wickets each for ADKR, while Ibrar Ahmad chipped with one.
MI Emirates bowlers sealed the victory
In reply, 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 RussellA strong 37 off 23 balls, with three fours and three sixes, kept ADKR’s hopes alive. However, MI Emirates’ disciplined bowling proved too strong.
With Shepherd, Alzarri Josip also impressed with several doors, while Akeal Hosein, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheiland Zahoor Khan contributed with one wicket each. Shepherd’s all-round brilliance earned him the Man of the Match award as MI Emirates celebrated a deserved 28-run victory.
Also WATCH: Zahir Khan removes Pakistan’s Azam Khan with absolute peach in ILT20 2025
