Jonny Bairstow responds to IPL snub with fifty in ILT20
What's the story
Jonny Bairstow, who was ignored by Indian Premier League franchises in the 2026 mini auction on Tuesday, December 16, responded with a fiery 67-run knock for Mumbai Emirates in the International League T20, 2025-26. MI Emirates posted a score of 137/8 in 20 overs against Dubai Capitals in Match 18 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Wednesday. Here's more.
Information
Bairstow shines for MI Emirates
Having opened for MI Emirates, Bairstow was the lone warrior for his side. No other batter managed to get past 20 runs. He dominated in a 40-run opening stand alongside Muhammad Waseem and another 49-run stand with Nicholas Pooran. Jawadullah dismissed Bairstow thereafter (99/3).
Runs
Bairstow slams his 32nd fifty in 250th T20 outing
Bairstow's 67 off 40 balls had 8 fours and three sixes. With this effort, he has raced to a tally of 6,098 runs from 250 matches (233 innings) at 30.95. This was his 32nd fifty (100s: 5). He now owns 275 T20 sixes, as per ESPNcricinfo. Meanwhile, this is his maiden ILT20 campaign. He owns 203 runs at 40.60 from 6 matches (50s: 1).
Snub
IPL 2026 auction: No takers for veteran Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction. He played a couple of games for the Mumbai Indians last season after being signed as a replacement player. His ability to decimate powerplay bowling was on display as the dasher made quick-fire 40s in both matches. The 36-year-old has overall featured in 52 IPL matches, scoring 1,674 runs at 34.87.