Punya Bhatia
Harsh Desai
Vedhas Khot
Ayan PC✱
Abubakar Sidique✱
Ahmad Ali Khilji
Nadeera Ishan
Sayam Khan
Gagan Boodagoda
Farman Ullah
MD Aftab
Muhammad Fawad
Rayan Khan
Syed Haider Wasi Shah✱
Jahanzeb Bhatti
Sudais Ur Rehman
Naimat Ullah
Ali Asgar Shums
Huzaifa Chhaya
Abu Dhabi clinched a nail‑biting win over Emirates Red in the Emirates D20 League 2026 after a dramatic finish at Karwan Cricket Ground, Ajman. With just nine balls remaining, MD Aftab's explosive 75 off 40 balls propelled the visitors to a two‑wicket triumph, turning what seemed a comfortable Emirates Red total of 187‑3 into a heart‑stopping chase.
Match Summary
EMR won the toss and elected to bat under clear skies, 65% humidity and a warm 31.1 °C. Punya Bhatia anchored the innings, smashing 93 runs off 59 balls, peppered with six fours and three sixes. He was supported by Harsh Desai's quick 24 off 20, and the pair guided Emirates Red to a formidable Emirates Red T20 score of 187‑3 in 20 overs. The innings featured a solid partnership of 112 runs for the third wicket, and EMR looked set to post an even bigger total before a late flurry of wickets.
Abu Dhabi's reply began shakily, losing early wickets, but the tide turned when MD Aftab arrived at the crease. He unleashed a devastating assault, hitting 75 runs from just 40 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. Sudais Ur Rehman and Abubakar Sidique shared the burden of the new ball, taking 1/39 in 2.5 overs and 2/28 in 4 overs respectively, but the middle order held firm. Abu Dhabi finished at 189‑5 in 18.5 overs, edging past Emirates Red by two wickets with 1.5 overs to spare.
Key Performances
Punya Bhatia (Emirates Red) – 93 (59) – The top‑order maestro set the platform with a classy blend of power and finesse, his strike rate of 157.63 keeping the scoreboard ticking.
MD Aftab (Abu Dhabi) – 75 (40) – The match‑winner, Aftab's aggressive strokeplay dismantled the EMR bowling attack, his 187.5 strike rate proving decisive in the chase.
Sudais Ur Rehman (Abu Dhabi) – 1/39 (2.5 overs) – Though expensive, his early breakthroughs kept EMR from building a massive total.
Abubakar Sidique (Abu Dhabi) – 2/28 (4 overs) – Provided crucial middle‑over control, limiting run flow and picking key wickets.
Harsh Desai (Emirates Red) – 24 (20) – Quick cameo that added vital runs in the death overs.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when Sudais Ur Rehman dismissed Punya Bhatia in the 15th over, breaking the crucial 112‑run partnership. EMR's momentum stalled, and they added only 24 runs in the final five overs.
The second, and decisive, moment unfolded at 150/2, when MD Aftab launched a six off the first ball of the 16th over, signalling his intent. His subsequent boundaries shifted the pressure onto EMR bowlers, who could not find a wicket for the next 30 deliveries.
Finally, a tight catch at deep mid‑wicket in the 18th over gave Abu Dhabi the final push, leaving them needing just 12 runs off 9 balls, which they chased down with a couple of boundaries from the lower order.
Series Implications
With this win, Abu Dhabi records their first victory over Emirates Red in the all‑time head‑to‑head (1‑0). The result propels them up the Emirates D20 League 2026 standings, giving them momentum ahead of the next round of fixtures. Emirates Red, despite the loss, can take confidence from Bhatia's near‑century and will look to regroup, especially in the death overs, to bounce back in the upcoming matches.
Fans searching for Abu Dhabi cricket today will find this match a testament to the league’s competitive spirit, while those tracking the Emirates D20 League 2026 live score will note the close finish as a highlight of the tournament’s excitement.