Thrill, talent and fierce competition takes the spotlight at the DP World ILT20
- 28 Jan 2025
· Match tickets for Season 3 are available here
· DP World ILT20 Season 3 schedule available here, squads available here
· DP World ILT20 Season 3 opening ceremony, match and event's photographs available here
The DP World ILT20 Season 3 is underway, captivating cricket fans worldwide once again with six franchises armed with some of the world’s finest players battling it out for the coveted trophy.
The region’s premier T20 competition began on Saturday 11 January at the Dubai International Stadium with a thrilling rematch of last year’s final between the Dubai Capitals and the MI Emirates. The game delivered drama to fans as Dubai Capitals’ Farhan Khan held his nerve to defend 11 runs in the final over against MI Emirates’ Kieron Pollard. The duel that saw a young UAE pacer square off against a stalwart of the game, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the DP World ILT20.
UAE’s cricketers have registered several noteworthy performances. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ Alishan Sharafu has emerged as one of the top performers, scoring 182 runs in seven innings at an average of 30.33. He is currently among the tournament's top ten run-getters and second on the list of all-time leading scorers among UAE players, trailing only Muhammad Waseem, who has 805 runs to his name.
The UAE players have made a significant mark with the ball as well. Two of the season's top three bowling figures belong to UAE bowlers. Gulf Giants’ Aayan Afzal Khan delivered a standout performance, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs (4/16), the best-ever figures by a UAE player in DP World ILT20 history. The 19-year-old also boasts a shrewd economy rate this season (6.14) conceding just 86 runs in his 14 overs so far trailing only Sunil Narine and Wanindu Hasaranga (minimum ten overs bowled).
The International stars have also asserted themselves in the tournament. Dubai Capitals’ Shai Hope currently leads the race for the Green Belt (most runs) with 334 runs in seven innings including a century. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi currently dons the White Belt as the leading wicket taker with 16 scalps for the MI Emirates in seven matches.
The quality of cricket this season has been exceptional, treating fans to closely fought contests. Notably, the record for the highest successful chase in DP World ILT20 history was broken twice. The Sharjah Warriorz first chased down 202/5 against Dubai Capitals in Sharjah, marking the first time a target of over 200 had been breached in the competition. Just days later, the Capitals rewrote history, successfully chasing 207/2 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Desert Vipers’ Alex Hales, a consistent feature in the tournament since its inception, became the first batter to amass 1,000 runs in the competition. Adding to his milestones, Hales joined Chris Gayle as the only players in T20 cricket to surpass 2,000 boundaries.
The Desert Vipers have been the team to beat this season, becoming the first franchise to qualify for the playoffs. Their campaign began with an impressive streak of four consecutive victories and currently lead the table with 12 points in seven outings
Dubai Capitals sit second with eight points, while the middle of the table is tightly contested. MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Gulf Giants are all tied on six points, separated only by net run rate. Sharjah Warriorz, currently in sixth place with four points, also have an outside chance to mount a late surge into the playoffs with three matches remaining.
Amongst the stars in action are David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Dasun Shanaka (Dubai Capitals) Phil Salt (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sharjah Warriorz), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates), Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates), Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), , Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants)
Beyond the action on the field, DP World ILT20 Season 3 offers fans an immersive experience with its cricket carnival. Each match day is a celebration, featuring live music, interactive games, food stalls, and activities for all ages. Adding to the excitement is the daily “Epic Dreams and Wins” raffle draw, which gives spectators even more reasons to join the festivities. The tournament, paired with the perfect UAE weather and tourist attractions, creates an unforgettable blend of world-class cricket and entertainment for fans worldwide.
All matches are played across Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Stadium, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 9 February at the Dubai International Stadium.
Points Table
