DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – The DP World ILT20 Season 3 has reached its thrilling knockout stage, with the Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz securing their spots in the playoffs.
The tournament, featuring a lucrative prize pool of over $1.3 million, is set for an intense finish as the top teams vie for the coveted title.
The Desert Vipers, who dominated the league stage and qualified for the playoffs early, will face the Dubai Capitals in Qualifier 1 on February 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The winner will advance directly to the Final, while the loser will get a second chance in Qualifier 2. The Vipers, led by stellar performances from Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs), have been a force to reckon with.
Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir (11 wickets each), has been equally impressive.
However, the Vipers have shown signs of vulnerability recently, losing two of their last three matches.
They will be eager to reclaim their dominance against a confident Dubai Capitals side, who defeated them twice earlier in the season.
Last season’s runners-up, the Capitals overcame a shaky start with three consecutive losses to finish strong, winning five of their previous six matches.
Shai Hope has been their standout batsman, leading the run charts with 467 runs, including a century and three fifties. Dushmantha Chameera (12 wickets) and Gulbadin Naib (314 runs and nine wickets) have also been pivotal in their resurgence.
The Eliminator will be held on February 6 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. MI Emirates will take on Sharjah Warriorz. The winner will advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face the loser of Qualifier 1 for a place in the Final.
The reigning champions, MI Emirates, have had a mixed season with five wins in 10 matches. Tom Banton has been their star performer, scoring 464 runs, including two centuries.
Captain Nicholas Pooran has also contributed with three half-centuries. Fazalhaq Farooqi has been exceptional on the bowling front, leading the wicket-taking charts with 20 scalps, including a record-breaking 5/16 against the Capitals.
The Sharjah Warriorz, after a mid-season slump of four consecutive losses, bounced back with three straight wins to secure their playoff berth. Their top order, led by Tom Kohler-Cadmore (347 runs) and Johnson Charles (305 runs), has been in fine form.
Adam Milne and captain Tim Southee have been the backbone of their bowling attack, claiming 11 and 8 wickets, respectively. The Warriors head into the Eliminator with momentum, defeating MI Emirates by eight wickets in their final group-stage match.
Knockout Schedule
Qualifier 1: Desert Vipers vs. Dubai Capitals – February 5, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Eliminator: MI Emirates vs. Sharjah Warriorz – February 6, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs. Winner of Eliminator – February 7, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Final: February 9, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
and then 