MI Emirates is one of the six teams participating in the upcoming ILT20 league. The team looks strong on paper and has the ability to make things tough for any opposition. They have got many international T20 superstars who have been playing this form of the game for years.
We will give you a detailed analysis of all the aspects of the MI Emirates team. We will also give a prediction about their performance in the upcoming UAE T20 league.
So, let’s start.
MI Emirates Team Owner
MI Emirates is owned by India’s well-known Reliance industries, who also have ownership of the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians.
MI Emirates Squad Breakdown
Batsmen: Will Smeed, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, and Najibullah Zadran
All-rounders: Bas De Leede, Dwayne Bravo, Jordan Thompson, and Samit Patel
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Imran Tahir, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Zahir Khan, and Bradley Wheal
MI Emirates Likely Starting XI
The squad announced till now is without the local players. So, our likely XI will consist of 9 international players.
Here’s the best starting team for the MI Emirates:
- Will Smeed
- Andre Fletcher
- Nicholas Pooran
- Local 1
- Kieron Pollard
- Najibullah Zadran
- Local 2
- Dwayne Bravo
- Imran Tahir
- Trent Boult
- Fazalhaq Farooqui
MI Emirates Squad Strengths
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Boult-Farooqui Duo
Overall, MI Emirates have a well-balanced T20 squad. They have two lethal left-arm fast bowling options which certainly stand as their #1 strength. The experience of Boult combined with the youth of Faroouqi can humble any batting lineup.
Both speedsters are a nightmare to face with the new ball due to the swing they produce. Then, the duo can deliver pinpoint yorkers along with clever variations to stem the flow of runs at the death.
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Experienced Spin Bowlers
Emirates’ spin bowling options add to their strengths. They have got the experience of Imran Tahir, who has been playing in T20 leagues for more than a decade. The veteran has picked up 454 wickets in this format and he is a trump card bowling option for his skipper. Apart from Tahir, MI Emirates have got more experience in the form of Samit Patel and Zahir Khan.
The franchise is also studded with power hitters of the highest class. The likes of Smeed, Pooran, Fletcher, and Zadran can make the mockery of a total even around 200. That’s why this side can back themselves to chase down any total. Another impressive feature of their squad is their batting depth. They have got four all-rounders (de Leede, Thompson, Bravo, and Patel) who are more than capable with the bat in the lower order.
MI Emirates Squad Weaknesses
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Absence of a Calming Figure
One big flaw which is explicitly evident in Emirates’ squad is the absence of an anchor in their batting lineup. In T20 cricket, people often underestimate the significance of a batsman who can hold one end. Not every day teams can hit 200+ in a T20 contest. At times, a track may make it hard to score 130 and that’s where you need a batter who can provide stability to the team.
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Lack of Depth in Fast Bowling
MI Emirates probably don’t have enough venom in their pace battery. Boult and Farooqui are excellent but the other fast bowlers don’t look like a big threat.
MI Emirates ILT20 Performance Prediction
MI Emirates have got a decent squad with some big names in it. However, the apparent weaknesses in their squad may prove to be a bit too costly for them. By looking at all the six squads, we don’t feel like MI Emirates will make it to the playoffs.
Hence, their journey in the ILT20 league may end in the playoff stage.
