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Pressure brings out the best in me shares Gulbadin Naib as Dubai Capitals storm into second consecutive final

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6 months ago

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The Dubai Capitals showcased their championship pedigree by reaching their second straight DP World ILT20 final, defeating Desert Vipers in a thrilling last-ball encounter at the Dubai International Stadium. Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib led the charge with a magnificent 62 off 39 balls, marking his third consecutive half-century against the Vipers and steering his team to another historic final appearance.

The Capitals, who have maintained an impressive record of making the  qualified playoffs for three seasons of the ILT20, demonstrated why they remain one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. Chasing a daunting 189, the match featured a game-changing partnership between Naib and captain Sam Billings, who blazed his way to 38 off 16 balls. Despite losing Billings to a run-out and later Rovman Powell at crucial junctures, Naib’s unwavering presence ensured the Capitals completed their second-highest successful run chase at the venue.

“This wasn’t just another game. It was a semi-final, and that’s when I thrive the most. The pressure of such games brings out the best in me,” said Naib, who has been instrumental in the Capitals’ quest to go one better than their runners-up finish last season. “I’m particularly pleased about maintaining my form on such a big platform against quality bowling.”

Speaking about the crucial partnership with Sam Billings and the subsequent run-out, Naib shared, “That partnership was definitely the turning point of our innings. Even after the unfortunate run-out, Sam’s words were encouraging. He told me to finish the game, and that positive conversation motivated me even more to see it through.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming final, Naib emphasized his preparation: “This tournament has been excellent preparation for the bigger events ahead, including the Champions Trophy. While reaching the final wasn’t easy, we know the final will be even more challenging. After making it to back-to-back finals, we’re determined to lift the trophy this time.”

The Dubai Capitals will face the winner of the second qualifier in the grand finale of the DP World ILT20 Season 3 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 7:30pm IST, as they aim to convert their consistent playoff appearances into championship glory.

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Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: Full schedule, teams, and the big India-Pakistan showdown

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2 days ago

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July 28, 2025

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Cricket fans in the UAE, get ready, the Asia Cup 2025 is heading your way, and the excitement starts on September 9.

The tournament opener will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong China. Still, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash the next day: India vs UAE on September 10, marking the Men in Blue’s first match on Emirati soil in this edition.

Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup is back for its 17th edition, bringing together eight nations divided into two action-packed groups.

Group A

  • India
  • Pakistan
  • UAE (hosts)
  • Oman

Group B

  • Sri Lanka
  • Bangladesh
  • Afghanistan
  • Hong Kong China

The big-ticket match everyone is waiting for? India vs Pakistan on September 14. And depending on how the Super 4 and final play out, these two rivals could face off up to three times in the tournament.

Format & Schedule Highlights

  • Group Stage: September 9 to 19
  • Super 4s: September 20 to 26
  • Final: September 28
    (All matches start at 6pm UAE time)

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round, and the top two from there will battle it out in the final showdown on September 28.

Can India Defend Their Crown?

India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follows closely with six, while Pakistan have won it twice.

This year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format, making it the perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026. The last time the Asia Cup was played in T20 format? Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in 2022 to take the trophy.

Mark These Matches on Your Calendar:

  • Sep 10: India vs UAE
  • Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
  • Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (don’t miss this!)
  • Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
  • Sep 19: India vs Oman
  • Sep 28: Asia Cup Final

With high stakes, regional pride, and potential rivalries reignited, Asia Cup 2025 promises fireworks in the UAE, on and off the pitch.

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DP World ILT20 donates tournament gear to children in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership

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2 weeks ago

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July 16, 2025

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket applications to open on September 10

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2 weeks ago

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July 16, 2025

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Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.

“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”

Key tournament dates

  • Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Mexico City
  • Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey

The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.

What fans can expect

  • 48 national teams competing
  • Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
  • 6.5 million fans expected to attend
  • First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025

Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament

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