The Desert Vipers opened their DP World ILT20 Development Tournament campaign stunningly, pulling off a nail-biting one-wicket victory against the Dubai Capitals at the ICC Academy. The contest went right down to the last ball, with impact player Taimoor Ali holding his nerve to deliver a dramatic finish.

Dubai Capitals post 210/6

Batting first, the Capitals piled on a challenging 210 for six, setting up what looked like a match-winning total. But the Vipers’ bowlers struck at crucial stages, with UAE all-rounder Ali Naseer starring with the ball. He claimed 4 for 28 in four overs, applying the brakes to the scoring in the middle overs.

Vipers’ chase led by Suri, Keswani and Ali

In reply, Vipers captain and wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri gave his side a solid start, compiling a fluent 35 off 25 balls. The chase stayed alive thanks to a quick cameo from Nilansh Keswani, who smashed 22 off just nine deliveries, including two huge sixes.

But the decisive moment came with the arrival of Taimoor Ali as an impact player. Walking in with the game in the balance, Ali unleashed a stunning counterattack, blasting an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes. His clean hitting turned the tide, as the Vipers steadily closed in on the target.

Final-ball drama

The game came down to the wire, with the Vipers needing runs off the final delivery. Ali, calm under pressure, finished the job to secure victory by just one wicket, sparking wild celebrations in the Vipers’ dugout.

What’s next

The ILT20 Development Tournament runs until 3 September, with the final also set to be staged at the ICC Academy. Beyond the immediate silverware, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for UAE talent, giving players the chance to break into DP World ILT20 franchises, the UAE national team, and other global T20 leagues.

The Desert Vipers will be buoyed by their thrilling opening win, while the Dubai Capitals will be left ruing missed chances in a game that went down as one of the most exciting finishes of the competition so far.

Match Scorecard

Dubai Capitals – 210/6 (20 overs)

• Other contributions: The Team posted a strong total with partnerships across the order
• Best bowler (Vipers): Ali Naseer – 4/28 (4 overs)

Desert Vipers – 211/9 (20 overs)

• Taimoor Ali – 59 (28 balls, 2 fours, 6 sixes)*
• Tanish Suri – 35 (25 balls)
• Nilansh Keswani – 22 (9 balls, 2 sixes)
• Won by 1 wicket (off the final ball)

Result: Desert Vipers won by 1 wicket

With the highly anticipated fourth season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) approaching, Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants have unveiled a star-studded coaching team ahead of the league’s first-ever auction. The revamped setup signals the franchise’s renewed push for silverware.

Jonathan Trott to lead as Head Coach

Former England batting star Jonathan Trott has been appointed Head Coach, bringing with him a reputation as one of England’s most technically accomplished cricketers and an impressive coaching track record.

Since transitioning from international cricket, Trott has guided Afghanistan to a historic ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final and an inspired run at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. As a player, he scored 3,835 runs in 52 Tests and 2,819 runs in 68 ODIs at an average of 51, with four centuries and 22 fifties.

“The Gulf Giants have quickly become one of the ILT20’s most successful teams. My goal is to empower players to excel and shape a championship-winning squad through the first-ever ILT20 Auction,” Trott said.

Shane Bond joins as Bowling Coach

Joining Trott is New Zealand’s pace legend Shane Bond, who takes charge as Bowling Coach. A veteran of 120 internationals with 259 wickets, Bond has carved out a successful decade-long coaching career, working with the New Zealand national side and several global T20 franchises, including the IPL and UAE ILT20.

“The team’s ambition is clear. I’m excited to sharpen our bowling attack and make a decisive impact this season,” Bond said.

Specialist coaches to complete the lineup

The Giants have also secured some of the finest specialist coaches:

• Andrew Puttick (Batting Coach) – South African batting stalwart with nearly 17,000 first-class runs, and prior coaching stints with Afghanistan, South Africa and Pakistan.
• Jamie Troughton (Fielding Coach) – Former England international, bringing expertise in raising standards in the field.
• Nick Lee (Strength & Conditioning Coach) – A seasoned fitness professional with experience at Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, returning to reunite with Trott.

Building on success stories

The Gulf Giants’ refreshed coaching team reflects Adani Sportsline’s focus on nurturing talent and creating a growth-driven environment. The franchise has already produced notable success stories, including young UAE all-rounder Aayan Khan and Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani.

Andrew Puttick said: “It’s an honour to work in a setup that values player development. I’m eager to contribute to our collective success.”

Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, added: “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of cricketing minds. Their experience and shared values will be pivotal in taking the Gulf Giants to new heights.”

Gulf Giants Squad for ILT20 Season 4

Retained – Aayan Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair
New Signings – Azmatullah Omarzai, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament returned for its third edition on Sunday, August 24, at the ICC Academy in Dubai, reaffirming its role as a key pathway for nurturing cricketing talent in the UAE.

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, highlighted the growth of the competition and its contribution to raising standards of professionalism across UAE cricket.

“It’s a great opportunity for these young men to stake a claim to be selected in the full tournament [DP World International League Season 4], so it’s incredibly important,” White said. 

“Last year, there was a big improvement in the standard, and I’m sure it’s going to be an even higher standard again this year.”

Building professionalism and success stories

White noted that the tournament has already produced players who have graduated to the main league. “Not only their skills, but also their attitude, their strength and conditioning, the whole level of professionalism has increased,” he said.

The fact that matches are streamed live, he explained, adds both pressure and incentive for players. “We’ve already had success stories. A lot of these players have played this tournament and then gone on to do well in the main event. The fact that they get to perform in front of cameras… adds both pressure and incentive at the same time.”

Big opportunity before the auction

With the DP World ILT20 Player Auction for Season 4 scheduled just days after the Asia Cup 2025, the development tournament has taken on even greater significance. Teams will be keeping a close watch as they look to secure the UAE’s brightest talent, with each franchise required to include a minimum of two UAE players in the playing XI.

“It’s a big opportunity to impress,” White said. “If they do get selected in one of the franchise teams, they’ll not only participate in the league but also train with world-class coaches.”

ILT20 among the world’s biggest leagues

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will run from December 2 to January 4, firmly establishing itself among the world’s leading cricket leagues.

“The league last year really stepped up,” White said. “It is very pleasing now that we are talked about, in global cricket terms, as one of the big leagues. When everyone talks about the big leagues around the world, they talk about DP World ILT20 as well. We’re now mainstream, we’re a league that’s growing, getting bigger, and I’m really excited about Season 4.”

The festive timing, he added, is another advantage. “December and early January are a tremendous time for us. It is going to be really exciting. It allows us to market over the Christmas and New Year period, which will mean that the crowds will be big, and it will give a real focus for cricket in this region.”

Strengthening UAE cricket

White also stressed that the tournament is helping strengthen the UAE national team, which has already qualified for the Asia Cup. “The UAE team have increased their depth, they now qualify for the Asia Cup, and they can beat any team on the day,” he said.

“What’s exciting about the Asia Cup is that Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE have had a lot of experience playing in the DP World ILT20 in these conditions, which will certainly help them.”