ILT20 2023: Rashid Khan joins MI Emirates for Eliminator clash against Dubai Capitals

Ahead of the crucial Eliminator tie in the ongoing ILT20, Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan joined MI Emirates in their clash against Dubai Capitals. The two teams have locked horns at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in order to make a place in the Qualifier 2 of the event.

Kieron Pollard-led Emirates won the toss against Yusuf Pathan’s Capitals and have elected to field first. Meanwhile, MI Emirates took to their official social media handle to welcome Rashid ahead of the match.

“Welcome to #MIEmirates, RASHID KHAN! #OneFamily,” captioned the franchise.

Rashid Khan recently concluded a dismal outing in South Africa’s SA20 league as his side- MI Cape Town (also part of the MI Family) managed to win just three games in the ten outings and stood last in the points table. Despite this, Rashid was among the leading wicket-takers with nine scalps to his name in the ten games he featured in. He also scaled a magnificent milestone in the SA20 as he completed 500 wickets in T20 cricket.

Once you have a player as good available, why not take it?: Kieron Pollard

As Rashid straightaway featured in the playing XI of the side in their important match against the Capitals in Sharjah, he will be on the lookout to provide vital breakthroughs. While his surprise inclusion has baffled many, skipper of the franchise Pollard opined that the side needs to use resources at the crunch moments of the game citing Rashid’s example. 

“Rashid (Khan) comes straight in to the XI. He's a class player and once you have a player as good available, and has the opportunity to play, then why not take it? We have five or six changes after the last game where new guys got opportunities. We have the same core with Rashid's addition. This is where you stand up and be counted,” Pollard told during the toss.

The Emirates boasts high-profile players such as Pollard, Rashid, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, and Fazalhaq Farooqi featuring in the Eliminator round of the league.

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