ILT20 2023: Fazalhaq Farooqi's moonball costs MI Emirates five runs

MI Emirates took on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the 11th match of the ongoing International League T20. MI Emirates won the game convincingly as they cruised to a five wicket victory over their opposition. Najibullah Zadran won the player of the match for his quick cameo at the end which helped his team to the victory.

However, apart from that, the game witnesed an unusual incident with pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi at the centrestage. He was handed the ball to bowl the second over of the match. His first delivery escaped his grasp and soared into the air, passing over the puzzled batsman Brandon King and wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran. Farooqi eventually gave away five runs, four byes and a no-ball, and the opposition team was also awarded a free-hit.

Here's the video:

Anyone else’s first ball of pre-season nets look a bit like this? 😂pic.twitter.com/jECeKrCesc

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 21, 2023

Farooqi battled back to finish with the figures of 2/27 dismissing Andre Russell and Zawar Farid. The Knight Riders reached 170-7 thanks to Dhananjaya de Silva's 40-ball 65.

However, the Knight Riders lost the game in the final over. Russell was given the ball to defend 20 runs with two set batters at the crease. Najibullah Zadran blasted two sixes to end the match after Dwayne Bravo hit a six, two, four, and one to make it seven off two. 

Knight Riders have lost all four matches so far

The Knight Riders are in serious trouble as they sit on the last position of the standings. They have lost all five of their matches till now and they need a quick comeback and a rather strong one if they intend to stay on course for the playoffs. 

On the other hand, Mumbai Emirates sit comfortably in third position after winning all three matches in the inaugural edition of the International league T20. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi is also in the race for the highest wicket taker but this is still early on in the tournament. He has taken four wickets in three games and would be looking to add more to his tally to catch up Chris Jordan who has six scalps to his name.

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