ILT20: RCB No Longer Alone As MI Emirates Claim the Crown for Biggest ‘Chokers’

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The season opener of the ILT20 2025 witnessed a dramatic showdown as MI Emirates snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Dubai Capitals. Chasing a modest 134, the Emirates seemed well on course at one stage, but an extraordinary fightback from the Capitals turned the game on its head. In the end, Dubai Capitals won the game by just one run.

MI Emirates had a nightmarish start to their run-chase as their top-order crumbled under the pressure of the new ball. Olly Stone bowled with venom, picking up two early wickets, while McCoy and Farhan Khan chipped in with one each. By the fifth over, MI Emirates were tottering at 23/4, with the Capitals smelling bloo

Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran then took charge, steadying the ship with a crucial partnership. With every big hit, the game began slipping away from the Capitals, and by the end of the 17th over, MI Emirates needed just 19 runs off 18 balls with six wickets in hand. Victory seemed inevitable for the Pooran-led side.

Just when it seemed like the game was done, Dubai Capitals scripted an incredible turnaround. Gulbadin Naib and Olly Stone bowled two sensational overs, conceding only six runs and dismissing Pooran and Fletcher. Their clever variations and pinpoint accuracy under pressure gave the Capitals a glimmer of hope.

The final over saw 20-year-old Farhan Khan entrusted with defending 13 runs against one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket, Kieron Pollard. Farhan showed nerves of steel, executing his plans to perfection and keeping Pollard quiet. With a combination of sharp yorkers and deceptive slower deliveries, Farhan conceded just 11 runs, sealing a one-run victory for Dubai Capitals.

Heartbreak for MI Emirates

Pollard and Pooran were left numb as the Capitals celebrated wildly. It was a collapse that will haunt MI Emirates for a long time. Despite having all the experience and firepower in their batting line-up, they failed to finish the job.

For the Dubai Capitals, it was a victory born out of sheer determination and smart execution. Gulbadin Naib, Olly Stone, and Farhan Khan emerged as the heroes.

As for MI Emirates, this defeat will go down as one of the biggest chokes in T20 history—perhaps even worse than RCB’s infamous collapses.

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