Following the success of DP World ILT20 Season 3 which concluded on 9th February with Dubai Capitals crowned the new champions, league CEO David White expressed delight over the quality of matches, edge-of-the-seat thrillers to the showdown. The grand finale, with a packed stadium, was a testimony to world-class competition as Dubai Capitals chased down the target of 190 runs set by Desert Vipers with just four balls to spare, leaving fans enthralled till the very end.

“I think what summarizes the success of season 3 is the excitement, world class players, and some of the matches going down to the wire. No doubt, this season has been a big step up in the quality of cricket, the scores have reflected that.”

For the first time in DP World ILT20, over 400 (430) sixes were scored and a total of 10,352 runs amassed by the batters in season 3 underscoring the high-octane matches in the star-studded league.

“More than 10,000 runs were scored this season, and we saw some standout individual performances too. The quality of cricket is also largely due to the quality of the pitches we had at our three tournament venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.”

In addition, he emphasised on the teams developing their own innate personality and team ethos. “The teams, after three seasons, are developing their own culture, personality and it is really coming through. What I am extremely pleased about is the competitiveness on the field, players are passionate and are really into it,” he expressed.

The season witnessed individual brilliance with in-form Shai Hope of Dubai Capitals winning the Green Belt for best batter, MI Emirates Fazalhaq Farooqi claiming the White Belt for best bowler and Sam Curran taking home the Red Belt as MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the season.

Among some of the standout moments this season was home-grown prodigy Aayan Afzal Khan of Gulf Giants picking up four for 16 runs against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – making it the best figures for a UAE player in the DP World ILT20. The previous record was held by Zuhaib Zuhair with 4 for 22 for Gulf Giants against Sharjah Warriors in the previous season.

UAE’s Farhan Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Aryan Lakra and the experienced Muhammad Waseem too hogged the limelight this season with impressive performances that promises to aide their career with the national squad.    

Elaborating on the impact DP World ILT20 has on developing cricket in UAE, White said, “DP World ILT20 plays a number of roles, from a community standpoint. It’s a great way to connect with the community, we do that with the children playing before the game, the children’s performance to the anthem, and we have a vibrant fan zone for families to come and enjoy together. Using the ILT20 brand to connect with the communities has been very good this season.

From a high-performance point of view, White said, “DP World ILT20 is a critical contributor in the performance programme for the UAE players. I think after season 2, the UAE national team definitely improved, they qualified for the Asia Cup for the first time in eight years. In the third season, the young bowlers have particularly been impressive and for them to be able to out-perform on the international stage and learn from great coaches and players is only good for the UAE national side.”

Future looks bright for DP World ILT20:

The CEO of DP World ILT20, which is the second most-watched cricket league in the world, exuded optimism for upcoming editions and went on to add that increasing the number of UAE players and Associate Member Nations players is realistic. He said, “We are past the start-up stage and I’m very positive of the future. We are starting to see young children back their favourite teams and there is a stable following. We are very conscious of connecting with the community and this year our social media numbers are phenomenal, and in association with Zee, the broadcast numbers are looking very good too.”   

“In my personal opinion, over time, the natural progression of this league is to expand into the Greater Gulf region. We have got so many Gulf nations with cricket fans, and at some stage the expansion could happen. And there is a very strong chance, in the near future, for more than two UAE players and Associate Member nations players to be in the squad.”

On having Indian representation in the league for the following editions, White said, “Everyone knows the rules with the BCCI and everyone respects it. If a retired Indian player is granted release from BCCI and if they are still competitive internationally then of course we would like for them to play in the league,” he concluded.

The Dubai Capitals secured their first-ever DP World ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers in the final. After a rollercoaster season that saw them recover from a tough start, the Capitals’ resilience led to a dramatic finish. Sam Billings, the captain of the Dubai Capitals, reflected on the team’s journey and shared his thoughts on their redemption, as well as the importance of composure in such a tense contest. 

Reflecting on the summit clash in the final, Billings said, “We’ve had some brilliant matches against the Desert Vipers, and tonight was an outstanding contest. The composure shown by some of the players at the end was remarkable. In T20 cricket, especially when chasing in this part of the world, you’re never out of the game if two players get going.” 

Last season, the Dubai Capitals finished as runners-up, and this year, they staged a remarkable turnaround. After three consecutive losses, they bounced back with six wins in seven matches, climbing from the bottom of the table to claim the title. On the team’s redemption, Billings said, “Similar to last year, we were at the bottom of the table before winning several in a row to reach the final. We’ve played some good cricket in different ways, and thankfully, we got across the line today.” 

He further added, “I was gutted when we couldn’t get the job done last year. Winning this trophy is very special, and the manner in which we did it makes it even more meaningful. I think we’ve done it the hard way over the last couple of years, so I’m incredibly proud of everyone associated with the franchise.” 

After Rovman Powell and Shai Hope set up the run chase, Sikandar Raza sizzled with 34 runs in 12 balls, along with Dasun Shanaka’s quick-fire 21, to bring the Capitals home. Speaking on his knock, Billings added, “I’ve told him over the last couple of games that he’d be the one to hit the winning runs, and he’s done it many times. What’s brilliant is that Rovman, Shai, and Dasun have also made a huge impact, but they each bring something different, complementing each other perfectly. Experience in those key moments is priceless, Raza’s been in that position countless times around the world, and that makes a big difference. You can see why he’s such a valuable asset globally.” 

Looking back at the season and what set the Capitals’ campaign apart, Billings opined, “I’ve been part of a lot of winning teams, so you learn along the way about different behaviours and ways of bringing the group together. A team is always stronger when it’s moving in the same direction, and I think that’s what we’ve done brilliantly this year. You can see those close wins; they’re the difference when a team plays for each other and together.” 

The victory marks the GMR Group’s first franchise tournament championship. While Billings attributed the success to comprehensive team efforts, the Capitals were buoyed by various outstanding individual performers as well.  

Opener Shai Hope claimed the Green Belt, awarded to the best batter of the season. Hope amassed 527 runs at an average of 58.55 in 12 innings, including three half-centuries and a century. Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib was amongst the top all-rounders of the season with 381 runs, four half-centuries, and 11 wickets across the campaign. Though Dushmantha Chameera missed out on the final, he and Obed McCoy excelled through the competition with 13 wickets each.

In a dramatic climax to DP World ILT20 Season 3, the Dubai Capitals overcame last season’s heartbreak to claim their maiden title with a four-wicket win over the Desert Vipers in Sunday’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Dubai Capitals took home the cash prize of USD 700,000 while the Desert Vipers were awarded USD 300,000. 

Chasing 189, Sikandar Raza provided the decisive late surge with a blistering 12-ball 34, sealing victory in the final over. Earlier, Rovman Powell’s 63 and Shai Hope’s composed 43 laid the foundation for the Capitals’ triumphant chase. 

For the Vipers, Max Holden’s innings of 76 runs weathered the loss of early wickets before Sam Curran took control of proceedings with an unbeaten half century, studded with five fours and three sixes. Azam Khan also stepped up on the occasion with a boundary laden cameo of 27 runs in the death overs. 

The Capitals’ run chase was derailed early in the innings. David Warner was out in the second over, dragging the ball onto his stumps to give David Payne an early breakthrough. Mohammad Amir then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing the in-form Gulbadin Naib and captain Sam Billings. At the end of the powerplay, the Capitals found themselves at 39/3, but they were in the fight as Shai Hope and Rovman Powell were in the middle. 

While Hope was the more cautious partner in the alliance, Powell struck two massive sixes to spur the recovery. Hope eventually stepped on the gas with a six off Nathan Sowter to bring up the 50-run partnership in 31 balls. 

At the end of 12 overs, the game was evenly poised with the Capital at 100/3, needing 90 runs in 48 balls. Curran cracked the 80-run partnership when he scalped Shai Hope, caught at deep mid wicket in the 14th over. Meanwhile, Powell completed a 30-ball half century. 

 The Capitals needed 65 runs in the final five overs and Powell and Dasun Shanaka each smoked a six off Curran in the 16th over to keep the Capitals in the reckoning. Shanaka powered his way to 21 runs in his first nine deliveries until he holed out to Dan Lawrence, off Payne in the next over. 

Nathan Sowter had conceded 13 runs in the 18th over, but he bounced back with the prized wicket of Rovman Powell for 63 runs in 38 balls. Earlier in the night, Powell benefited from a fortuitous no-ball when he was stumped by Azam Khan on two runs (it was only the Vipers’ third no ball of the season). 

 It was Sikandar Raza who scripted the finish for the Dubai Capitals. He struck three fours off Mohammad Amir in the penultimate over and began the 20th over with a six and a four to steer the Capitals to the title in 19.2 overs. The Capitals beat the Desert Vipers for a sixth consecutive time. 

 In the first innings, Obed McCoy gave the Capitals the early breakthrough, picking up both openers Alex Hales and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first five overs. However, Max Holden was in sublime form, striking nine glorious boundaries in the powerplay to steer the Vipers to 53/2 in six overs. 

Holden went on to bring up a 32-ball half century in the ninth over and received a reprieve on the next delivery as he was dropped at long-off by Rovman Powell.  Despite this close call, Holden continued to find regular boundaries. Dan Lawrence contributed 10 runs in a 41-run partnership with Holden, before he was eventually dismissed by UAE’s Haider Ali in the tenth over, leaving the score at 75 for 3. 

Curran joined Holden for a 47-run, fourth wicket partnership that cost 35 deliveries. The partnership was broken by Sikandar Raza when he dismissed Max Holden for 76 runs in 51 balls, in the 16th over. 

Azam Khan joined Sam Curran for the late innings fireworks, with a 67-run partnership in 29 balls. Curran crossed the fifty mark in 28 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 62 runs with five fours and three sixes. 

Meanwhile, Azam smashed three fours and a six for a 13-ball knock of 27 runs. He was run out on the last ball of the innings as the Vipers finished with a formidable total of 189/5 in 20 overs. 

Player of the Match, Rovman Powell said: “Credit to the guys in the dressing room, the message was to just stay calm. The competition has been silent for me, but today in the final I wanted to prove myself. In the final, big players stand up. I’m disappointed to get out but glad we got through.” 

Desert Vipers’ Sam Curran, who secured the Red Belt as the Most Valuable Player said: “ It was an amazing game and a small accolade (Red Belt), it is tough to take it when you lose. It is one of the most enjoyable teams I have been in my career. A thoroughly professional setup and hopefully one better next year. I knew lots of coaching staff and players, taking on those roles and being adaptable with the ball. The Capitals have had a few wins over us in the group stage. I thought we had a really good score on the board, but I was extremely proud of the team and the coaching staff. “ 

Shai Hope wins the Green Belt 

Adding to the excitement of a grand final and a new champion, the DP World ILT20’s signature awards that recognise outstanding individual performances saw Shai Hope walk away with the Green Belt (best batter), finishing the competition with 529 runs. MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the White Belt (best bowler) for his 21 wickets in 11 innings. 

Sam Curran who finished the tournament with 387 runs in 12 innings and seven wickets, received the Red Belt as the most valuable player of the season, while MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem bagged the Blue Belt awarded to the best UAE players for a third consecutive season. 

Brief scores  

Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by four wickets. 

Desert Vipers 189/5 in 20 overs (Max Holden 76, Sam Curran 62 not out, Azam Khan 27, Obed McCoy 2 for 44, Haider Ali 1 for 6) 

Dubai Capitals 191/6 in 19.2 overs (Rovman Powell 63, Shai Hope 43, Sikandar Raza 34 not out, Dasun Shanaka 21, David Payne 2 for 28, Mohammad Amir 2 for 35) 

Player of the Match: Rovman Powell 

DP World ILT20 Season 3 belt winners: 

Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) – Sam Curran, Dubai Capitals 

Green Belt (Best Batter) – Shai Hope, Dubai Capitals 

White Belt (Best Bowler) – Fazalhaq Farooqi, MI Emirates 

Blue Belt (Best UAE player) – Muhammad Waseem, MI Emirates