The second season of DP World ILT20 has kicked off on a high note for us as we embark on the journey to defend our title with a resounding victory over the Sharjah Warriors in the tournament's opening match. The triumph has set the tone, and our sights are now fixed on the upcoming clash against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi this Sunday. The team is fully geared up, and the momentum from our opening win fuels our determination.

Facing the Sharjah Warriors in our first game, Jamie Smith emerged as the star performer, unleashing a quickfire 42 off just 18 balls. Supported by valuable contributions from James Vince and Usman Khan, we posted a formidable total of 198. Despite initial challenges with the ball, Jamie Overton's remarkable display, claiming 3 crucial wickets, and Chris Jordan's impactful 2-wicket contribution secured our victory by a margin of 31 runs. Now, the team is focused on replicating this success against MI Emirates.

MI Emirates boasts a formidable lineup led by the dynamic Nicholas Pooran, featuring star players such as Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Fletcher, Corey Anderson, and Kusal Perera. Their bowling unit, comprising talents like Trent Boult, Akeal Hosein, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, adds to their strength. While they finished third in the first season, they present a formidable challenge in the current season. They have had a tough start to this tournament as they were beaten by Dubai Capitals but they have the ability to bounce back after a tough loss. 

Reflecting on our head-to-head record, we faced MI Emirates once last season and emerged victorious by 5 wickets. As we prepare for the upcoming encounter, the team is optimistic and determined to deliver another stellar performance in what promises to be an exciting and closely contested match. Stay tuned for a thrilling showdown!