By Muhammad Rafiq
DUBAI: A test of skills and nerves will be on display during the final of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium for lifting the glittering ILT20 trophy on February 17 (Saturday). After nearly one-month of exhilarating contests and 33 matches showcasing the best of T20 cricket, two new finalists – MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals will clash for the title starting at 6.30pm (UAE time).
While MI Emirates were the first team to book their place in the play-offs, Dubai Capitals had it tough, having to fight their way up the points table in the league stage. In the eliminator, Dubai Capital beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and followed it up with a sensational win against the defending champions Gulf Giants in Qualifier 2. MI Emirates, on the other hand, sailed through after a smooth victory against the Giants in Qualifier 1.
Dubai Capitals will be riding on the confidence of beating MI Emirates twice in the league stage – by seven wickets in the first encounter, and 19 runs in the second clash. “No doubt there is epic rivalry between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates. I was part of the final in the previous season, playing for Desert Vipers and the atmosphere was absolutely fantastic with a packed stadium. I am really looking forward to a similar atmosphere here,” stated Sam Billings, Captain of Dubai Capitals on the eve of the final.
Billings who took over the captaincy from David Warner, has been brilliant in marshalling his resources. Talking about leading the side in the grand finale, he said, “I could not have done anything with a group of players who have no drive and energy. This group has it all, and it has been a great group effort. We have been playing some good cricket and we want to keep doing it to win this trophy.”
MI Emirates skipper Nicholas Pooran exuded confidence ahead of the battle of equals. He said, “The team is excited and ready for a tough challenge. I am proud of each and every one of our players. The way we have played in this tournament has been brilliant. This year we played well in the group stage. What we need to do is control what we can and keep the momentum.”
The reward for the winner proving their might in final is a whopping $700,000 (USD) while the runners-up will receive $300,000 (USD). Almost all matches had some outstanding performances with nail-biting thrillers like a last-ball finish and a last-ball-six win.
The DP World ILT20 will reward the highest run-getter with a Green Belt and the highest wicket-taker with the White Belt, while the most valuable player will receive the Red Belt. There have been some outstanding performances from the UAE players in this edition, and to recognize their performance, the best UAE player will receive the Blue Belt. For their spectacular show of consistency, they will also pocket USD 15,000 each.
One of the big boosts for this edition has been the large turn-out for the matches in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Statistics reveal that 9784 runs have been scored so far and 430 wickets bagged to once again prove that the pitches in all these venues are the best for top-class cricket. The organisers have also set up fun-filled carnivals for fans from 5 pm onwards at the Dubai International Stadium for the final.
Match tickets are available online at https://tickets.ilt20.ae as well as at all 14 Virgin Megastore outlets across UAE.
