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MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers headlines ILT20 playoffs as knockout drama begins

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The DP World ILT20 Season 4 playoffs are officially locked in, and the stage is set for a blockbuster finish, with MI Emirates and Desert Vipers set to clash in Qualifier 1 for a direct ticket to the final.

MI Emirates sealed their place in the top two with a dominant eight-wicket win over Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday, extending their winning streak to five matches and sending a clear warning to the rest of the competition.

Chasing a modest 123, MI Emirates were in control almost from the start. Skipper Kieron Pollard led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 31 balls, including five towering sixes, as his side wrapped up the chase in just 16.4 overs.

The win confirmed a December 30 showdown with Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1, where the winner will progress straight to the final. The loser, however, won’t be out just yet and will get another shot via Qualifier 2.

Earlier in the evening, MI Emirates’ spinners once again stole the show. Youngster Allah Ghazanfar starred with figures of 3 for 28, while veteran Shakib Al Hasan applied the squeeze with a miserly spell of 1 for 11. Dubai Capitals never truly recovered and were restricted to 122 for 8.

Player of the Match

Ghazanfar, named Player of the Match, credited preparation and belief for his performance. “I stayed true to my plans and bowled with confidence. Executing variations isn’t easy, but the hard work behind the scenes really pays off,” he said.

Tough road ahead for Capitals

For Dubai Capitals, the road to the final just got tougher. They now head into the Eliminator on January 1, where they will face the winner of the final league match between Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Lose that, and their season is over.

The winner of the Eliminator will move on to Qualifier 2, setting up a high-stakes clash against the losing side from Qualifier 1, one last chance to make the final.

With form, momentum and confidence all on their side, MI Emirates will be looking to finish the job early. Desert Vipers, meanwhile, know that one big performance could send them straight into the final.

As the ILT20 enters knockout mode, the margin for error is gone, and the race to lift the trophy is well and truly on.







With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Sports

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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