News DeskDubai, UAE – The second season of the DP World ILT20, the Gulf region’s premier cricket league, will culminate in a thrilling final between MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, February 17. The match will start at 6.30 pm (UAE time) and will be witnessed by a large crowd of cricket fans.
Both teams have had contrasting journeys to the final, with MI Emirates topping the points table and securing a direct entry to the final after beating the defending champions Gulf Giants in Qualifier 1. Dubai Capitals, on the other hand, had to overcome two tough challenges in the eliminator and Qualifier 2, where they defeated Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants respectively.
Dubai Capitals will have the edge over MI Emirates, having beaten them twice in the league stage. Their captain Sam Billings, who replaced David Warner as the leader, expressed his confidence and excitement ahead of the final. He praised his team’s drive and energy and said they want to win the trophy.
MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran also sounded upbeat and proud of his team’s performance in the tournament. He said they need to control what they can and keep the momentum going in the final.
The winner of the final will take home a whopping $700,000 (USD), while the runner-up will receive $300,000 (USD). The tournament will also honour the best individual performers with belts and cash prizes. The highest run-getter will get a Green Belt, the highest wicket-taker will get a White Belt, the most valuable player will get a Red Belt, and the best UAE player will get a Blue Belt.
The DP World ILT20 has been a success in terms of fan engagement and quality of cricket. The matches have been played across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, with a total of 9784 runs and 430 wickets scored so far. The organisers have also arranged fun-filled carnivals for the fans at the Dubai International Stadium for the final.
