It might not have been the result or the performance we were after, but in true MIE fashion, we didn’t go down without a fight. One of the major positives to come out of this was 81-run stand for the second wicket stand between Muhammad Waseem and Tom Banton that kept MI Emirates in the hunt. We had one half of that partnership, Waseem, at the post-match press conference. Excerpts.. 

On the pitch and the team’s performance 

We are a bit disappointed because of our bowling performance, but it’s fine, it’s part and parcel of the game. Throughout the tournament we have bowled superbly but today wasn’t our day. We have one more chance and we will come back strongly. I think this was the best wicket of the tournament. 

On the team’s batting approach chasing a big target

We started well today. We were chasing a big total and we were just looking to get as many runs as possible in each over. In such cases, you get mis-hits, dot balls, lose wickets. But our approach was to go for the chase. But we were unlucky to not chase it. 

Positives of the ILT20 for UAE players 

This is a big opportunity for the UAE players. The ILT20 is one of the big leagues in the world and all international players play in it. We can learn a lot and try and apply it in UAE cricket to do well. 

Thoughts on the second Qualifier 

Different ground, different pitch. We’ll play on that day depending on the ground and the pitch. We would only take the positives from this match. We’ll back our bowlers and batters and hopefully qualify for the final.