News DeskDubai: Gulf Giants Development secured the championship title of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024 after a thrilling six-wicket victory over the ILT20 Pearls in the final held at the ICC Academy Oval 1.
The Giants’ successful run chase was powered by Shival Bawa’s brilliant unbeaten half-century, as well as key contributions from Vriitya Arvind, Hameed Khan, and Muhammad Saghir Khan. The Giants reached the 186-run target in 19 overs, finishing at 186/4.
The Pearls had earlier posted a competitive total of 185/5, led by Yassir Kaleem’s explosive unbeaten 72 off 45 balls, which included seven sixes. Alishan Sharafu also made a rapid-fire 35 from just 15 deliveries, while Rohan Mustafa added 33 runs in a more measured innings. For the Giants, Muhammad Irfan and Aayan Afzal Khan were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each.
Rohan Mustafa gave the Pearls an early breakthrough in the Giants’ innings, dismissing both Muhammad Irfan and Samal Udawantha, reducing them to 20/2. However, a crucial 80-run partnership between captain Vriitya Arvind (34) and Shival Bawa steadied the innings. Bawa’s composed 63 not out from 48 balls, featuring five boundaries and three sixes, anchored the chase.
Hameed Khan chipped in with a quickfire 27 off 13 balls before falling to Mustafa, but Muhammad Saghir Khan’s blistering 33 off just 11 deliveries ensured the Giants crossed the finish line with an over to spare.
The tournament, which provides UAE players with the opportunity to be selected for one of 12 spots in the DP World ILT20 Season 3 squads, saw Raees Ahmed emerge as the leading scorer with 307 runs for the ILT20 Thunderbolts. Uzair Khan, who took 16 wickets for the Pearls, finished as the top wicket-taker.
Brief Scores:
- ILT20 Pearls: 185/5 in 20 overs (Yassir Kaleem 72*, Alishan Sharafu 35, Rohan Mustafa 33, Muhammad Irfan 2-28, Aayan Afzal Khan 2-31)
- Gulf Giants Development: 186/4 in 19 overs (Shival Bawa 63, Vriitya Arvind 34, Muhammad Saghir Khan 33, Rohan Mustafa 3-36, Uzair Khan 1-29)
