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Tom Banton, with his knock of 84 against the Sharjah Warriorz, has become the highest run-scorer in this year’s ILT20. Although he had another fantastic outing with the bat, MI Emirates had a game they’d quickly like to move on from and put behind them. He was out at the post-match press conference sharing his thoughts. Excerpts..&nbsp;Thoughts on the game&nbsp;The day didn’t go as well as we’d have liked. Towards the end they bowled really well. Tim Southee bowled a really good last over. Sometimes you have to say well done to them. Disappointing day for us but we’ve qualified. It was something we said at the start of the tournament, and we have a chance to win the trophy again.&nbsp;On becoming the highest run-scorer in this year’s ILT20I’m not thinking too far, hopefully try and win this tournament for MIE. Taking each game as it comes and don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. I just want to contribute to us winning.&nbsp;On the race for the playoffs&nbsp;Everyone still is in with a chance to qualify which is quite exciting for the league. We are through and am not sure if we are second, third or fourth at the moment. It depends on how the rest of the results go.&nbsp;Whether the team was complacent going into this gameDefinitely not. Other people are allowed to play well. It wasn’t to be for us today, but we’ve got a big week coming up with the final a week from today, so hopefully we’ll be there.&nbsp;

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“Disappointed, but sometimes you have to say well done to the opposition”: Tom Banton

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The job at hand is clear. With ten points and a net run-rate of +1.028, we are currently sitting pretty on the second spot, and a playoff spot should be ours unless there’s some major upset. But why even leave things to chance. We have our fate in our control. Let’s bring home a W, thereby get a Q&nbsp;against our name, and a place in the top two as well to ensure two bites at the cherry.&nbsp;The Sharjah Warriorz, who are on eight points are up next. The last time we met them, Tom Banton’s century got us home in a hurry. They would be desperate to win this as well, which should guarantee them a playoff spot. But with two wins on the trot now, we have the momentum and we are all set to get on a roll in the business end.&nbsp;What: MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz&nbsp;When: February 2, 2025 | 14:00 local time, 15:30 IST&nbsp;Where: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu DhabiWhat to expect: Another fierce content. With everything to play for, expect fireworks with both bat and ball.&nbsp;

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Match 10 | MIEvSW preview: Not just a Q, let’s seal a top two finish as well 

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Nope, not the best of outings on the field for us. A few dropped chances, a couple of mishaps and a game we’d like to put behind us quickly as we brace up for the playoffs. It’s not a major worry, we have qualified for the playoffs already and would have to wait until tomorrow for the other results to know if we happen to be in the top two. Let’s relive this game for now..Waseem, Perera smash it around&nbsp;After being put in to bat first, Andre Fletcher fell to a run-out pretty early, but then his fellow opener Muhammad Waseem carried on his good form from the previous game with an 18-ball 21. Kusal Perera, who’s been a bit quiet with the bat by his own standards so far, roared back in style with a 23-ball 31, giving MI Emirates a solid start.&nbsp;Banton vs Sharjah Warriors – Another masterclass&nbsp;After his scintillating century the last time these two sides met, he put on another show. Six fours, five sixes and a 51-ball 84 against his name. He almost single-handedly carried the team in the last ten overs to put up a total of 173.&nbsp;An off day on the field&nbsp;On a pitch that was a belter, this target was a tad under par. It didn’t help that we weren’t at our best in our fielding either. Tom Kohler-Cadmore batted superbly for his 91, Jason Roy and Matthew Wade provided good support, and the Warriorz chased down the target.&nbsp;Let’s quickly regroup and ready up. We will be playing our first play-off game in a couple of days. Let’s get the MIE spirit going!

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MIEvSW report: Another Banton special, but a day to forget and move on

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In a chase of 173, the start was always going to be key for the MI Emirates. Muhammad Waseem, who’d had a quiet tournament so far by his own admission, took it upon himself to get the team off to a flier tonight, which he did with a 10-ball 26. He was at the post-match press-conference talking about his batting, UAE cricket, the playoffs. Excerpts..&nbsp;On his inningsI felt like I got starts in all matches. But I kept getting out in unlucky ways. But it is important that the team kept winning. I’m happy with the way I batted today.&nbsp;Reasons behind his lack of runs in earlier gamesThe pitches have been good. ILT20 is among the top leagues in the world and the bowling has been top class. You could say I didn’t play all that well this year, but I feel I would play well in the important matches to come.&nbsp;Thoughts on the impact of ILT20 on UAE cricketIt is a proud moment for all our UAE players and the team. Our players get to share the dressing room and learn from the big players from around the world. I have learnt a lot from (Nicholas) Pooran and (Kieron) Pollard.&nbsp;On wanting to finish in the top twoWe have 10 points and have a good net run-rate. We will look to finish in the top two. The plan is simple, we just have to stick to it. At one point it looked like we were nowhere in the game, but we won with five balls to spare.&nbsp;On the local UAE players&nbsp;There is very good talent in the UAE. There are some good players on the bench as well. They’ll hopefully come through next year.&nbsp;

“Disappointed, but sometimes you have to say well done to the opposition”: Tom Banton

By MI Emirates Media

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