World Number 6, Ons Jabeur, exited the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council following a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Elena Rybakina and Lidmila Samsonova will meet in the semi-finals, having both won today.
A passionate crowd inside Stadium Court heavily backed Jabeur, but the Tunisian could not replicate the form she produced in Wednesday’s impressive win over Emma Raducanu.
Haddad Maia, also through to the semi-finals of the doubles competition alongside compatriot Luisa Stefani, won the first set 6-3, and while Jabeur produced flashes of quality, she was unable to find the consistency to seriously trouble the Brazilian.
Having saved one match point, the writing was on the wall for Jabeur when Haddad Maia, on her serve, forced another, and the second time around, she made it count to set up a semi-final clash against Daria Kasatkina.
Samsonova was the first player to book her spot in the last four as she triumphed in the day’s opening contest on Stadium Court, the 25-year-old overcoming World No. 12 Barbora Krejčíková in straight sets.
It marks a second consecutive semi-final at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open for Samsonova, who defeated Qinwen Zheng at the same stage last year before losing in the final to Belinda Bencic.
After eliminating Anhelina Kalinina in the quarter-finals, Samsonova edged two close sets in the UAE sunshine, progressing 7-5 and 6-4.
She said, “I’m so happy with the way it went because I knew it would be a match at a high level. Barbora is an amazing player and it’s incredible the way I managed today, I’m so happy.
“My game is coming together because, of course, it’s important to serve well, but I’m returning well too and together, it’s a great mix.”
Also, through to the last four is Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who recorded a straight-sets victory over Cristina Bucșa.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion was forced to come from behind against Danielle Collins in the quarter-finals, but it was a different story today as she took control from the outset and quickly won the first set.
Bucșa responded well in the second and, at one point, looked on course to force a third set, but after breaking her opponent’s serve, World No. 5 Rybakina saw the match out to win 6-1, 6-4.
Rybakina and Samsonova go head-to-head today for a place in the final. In the day’s final match, Kasatkina made light work of Cîrstea with a truly dominant display.
The 2022 French Open semi-finalist started well and got better as the match progressed, blowing her opponent away to win 6-2, 6-0. She plays Haddad Maia today with a place in the final up for grabs.
Linda Noskova and Heather Watson are through to the final of the doubles competition following a thrilling quarter-final win over Nicole Melichar and Ellen Perez.
Noskova and Watson advance straight to the final via Walk Over due to the fact their scheduled semi-final opponents, Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, have withdrawn after Linette sustained an injury to her left thigh.
They will face either Haddad Maia and Stefani or Sofia Kennin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who play today, in Sunday’s final.
Kennin and Mattek-Sands traded competing on the tennis court for some high-speed track action as they headed to nearby Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, for a karting session. The duo face Haddad Maia and Stefani in the semi-finals of the doubles competition today.
For UAE fast bowler Muhammad Rohid, being among the highest-valued local players at the DP World ILT20’s first-ever player auction was more than a career milestone, it was proof that homegrown cricketers now have a genuine pathway to the professional game.
The left-arm pacer was signed by MI Emirates for $140,000 ahead of Season 4, making him the fifth-highest-priced UAE player in the historic auction. Rohid believes the league is changing the future of cricket in the Emirates by giving young players a platform to showcase their talent alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.
“The biggest thing the DP World ILT20 has done is create a clear pathway for UAE players,” Rohid said. “Young cricketers can now see that if they perform well, opportunities will come, whether that’s with a franchise or the national team.”
The 24-year-old credits the tournament with helping him develop both on and off the field. He recalled one of his standout moments from
Season 4, when he was told he would be playing in Qualifier 2 just 10 minutes before the toss. Despite the late call-up, Rohid delivered figures of 2 for 19, dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone during a match-winning spell.
“The biggest lesson I learned was to always stay ready because opportunities can come at any moment,” he said. “The environment taught me to trust my preparation, stay calm under pressure and back my abilities.”
Rohid also highlighted the value of sharing a dressing room with international stars such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Shakib Al Hasan.
“Watching how they prepare, train and handle pressure has been a huge learning experience. They were always willing to share advice, and those conversations helped me become a better player.”
The pacer has since become a regular member of the UAE national team, featuring in ODIs and T20 Internationals, while also earning selection for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he represented the UAE against New Zealand.
Looking ahead, Rohid says his focus remains on improving his game and becoming a bowler his captain can rely on in every situation.
“I want to keep getting better every season and contribute more for both the UAE and MI Emirates. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received and hope to make the most of them.”
Season 5 of the DP World ILT20 is scheduled to take place in November and December 2026.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) celebrated a landmark achievement after winning three honours at the ICC Development Awards 2025, recognising its outstanding contribution to grassroots cricket and the growth of the women’s game in the UAE.
The awards were presented during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, where cricket boards from around the world were recognised for programmes that have helped expand participation and develop the sport.
Initiative of the Year
The ECB’s first award came in the Marriott Bonvoy ICC Development Initiative of the Year category for its pioneering Girls U15 Academy League. The programme, the first of its kind in the region, was recognised for creating new opportunities for young girls to participate in competitive cricket while promoting inclusion and wider access to the sport.
The board also shared the ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year award with Türkiye Cricket. The honour recognised the UAE’s efforts to expand girls’ cricket through the Get into Cricket – Girls Only programme and the Interschool Criiio Gulf Cup, initiatives launched following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to introduce cricket to schools and communities across the country.
Victory for UAE women’s national team
Completing a memorable evening, the ECB received the ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year award after the UAE women’s national team made history during its tour of Zimbabwe.
Competing in their first-ever 50-over series after gaining ODI status, the UAE secured a 2-2 draw in the One-Day International series before defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 in the subsequent T20 International series. The result marked the UAE’s maiden bilateral series victory over a higher-ranked Full Member nation on foreign soil.
ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas described the awards as a significant milestone for everyone involved in UAE cricket.
“These awards are a massive encouragement for the Emirates Cricket Board management, officials, players and support staff,” Abbas said.
He thanked the ICC for recognising the work of Associate Members and said the honours had strengthened the board’s determination to invest further in cricket development.
Abbas also praised the rapid rise of women’s cricket in the UAE, saying growing media attention and increased participation at grassroots level were creating a strong foundation for the future.
“Thousands of girls are now playing cricket, which means that we have a solid foundation to work on for the years ahead,” he said.
Bright future for women’s team
Looking ahead, Abbas said the Emirates Cricket Board remains committed to providing the national women’s team with greater exposure against leading international sides as preparations continue for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 and qualification campaigns for future ICC Women’s T20 and ODI World Cups.
The ICC Development Awards recognise outstanding programmes and achievements that contribute to the growth of cricket globally, with winners selected from regional nominees across multiple development categories.
UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.
The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.
“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.
Breakthrough performances
Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.
Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.
Learning from the world’s best
Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.
“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”
He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.
Inspired, not compared
While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.
“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”
Eyes on future
Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.
“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”
He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.
Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.
“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”
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