Battle is set for DP World ILT20 season 2 play-offs

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The stage is set for an exhilarating and intense battle in the DP World ILT20 season 2 play-offs between the teams that clinched the top four slots.

The league stage matches were so fiercely-fought that the final four could not be ascertained until the last league match held in Sharjah on Sunday. All 30 league-stage matches produced the best of cricket with many last over and last ball finishes including a last ball-six smashed by Sikandar Raza that put Dubai Capitals in a commanding position to make the final four ahead of Sharjah Warriors and Desert Vipers who finished bottom of the points table.

Cricket buffs in UAE can gear up for an exciting week of action as the top four teams gear up to produce some nail-biting contest starting with the Eliminator on 13 February (Tuesday) between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, followed by the Qualifier 1 between MI Emirates and Gulf Giants to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on 14 February (Wednesday). Qualifier 2, between the winner of the Eliminator and the loser of Qualifier 1, will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 15 February (Thursday) while the grand finale will be held at the Dubai’s ‘Ring of Fire’ Stadium on 17 February.

The intensity of the upcoming clashes can be gauged by the fact that except for MI Emirates, who notched up 12 points from six wins, all the other teams had hit the rock bottom of the table and then fought back to qualify for the play-offs. Defending champions Gulf Giants finished second on the points table with 12 points while Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals placed third and fourth respectively with 10 points each.  

Big cash bonanza awaits winners

The DP World ILT20, with a total prize money of USD 1.3m, will see the winners walk away with a whopping $700,000 (USD) while the runners-up receive $300,000 (USD). The contest for the players who produced their best is also being keenly fought.  

The best batter with most runs will receive the Green Belt and the bowler with most wickets will win the White Belt while the most valuable player will be awarded the Red Belt. The contest for the Blue Belt for the best UAE player also has  many contenders in this edition.  

All the belt winners will receive USD 15,000 each. In the first edition, Alex Hales won the Green Belt, Chris Jordan bagged both White and Red Belt and Muhammad Waseem had won the Blue Belt. All Player of the Match winners as well as the Biggest Six of the Match receive $1500 each.

Platform for kids to shine

While large turnout for all the matches of this edition reflected the increasing following for this tournament, DP World ILT20 ensured the stage is used as a platform to get young kids attention towards cricket by hosting soft-ball matches for them ahead of the day’s play in each venue. In Dubai, an all-girls match too was held ahead of the day’s play at the ‘Ring of Fire’ Stadium, giving the budding cricketers a feel of the international stadium and an opportunity to play and meet their favourite stars.

Carnivals for a fun family outing

With the perfect weather setting the right ambience for outdoor activities, the league stage matches attracted fans, giving them and their families a wholesome experience with fan carnivals adding to the fun and fervour at all venues. Intricately planned with engaging activities on the side-lines of the matches with RJs and music bands getting the groove on – it was a memorable experience.

All play-offs will commence from 6.30pm (UAE time).

Match tickets are available online at https://tickets.ilt20.ae as well as at all 14 Virgin Megastore outlets across UAE.