Synopsis
The ILT20 Season 3 final features the Dubai Capitals facing the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Stadium, promising an exciting showdown for the championship title and a share of over USD 1 million in prize money.Key Takeaways
- The Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers compete for the ILT20 title.
- Both teams have shown remarkable performance throughout the season.
- Key players include Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib for the Capitals.
- Lockie Ferguson's absence for the Vipers will be felt.
- A total prize pool of over USD 1 million is at stake.
Dubai, Feb 8 (NationPress) A new name will be inscribed on the ILT20 trophy as the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers go head-to-head for the Season 3 title at the Dubai International Stadium this Sunday. After weeks of intense cricket and a prize pool surpassing USD 1 million, the tournament has reached its grand finale to determine the champion.
The Dubai Capitals head into this match with a remarkable track record, having achieved five straight victories against the Desert Vipers in their prior encounters. Nevertheless, the Vipers have been a standout team this season, securing their playoff position early with an impressive run that included four consecutive wins.
Despite a mid-season hiccup, marked by a defeat to the Capitals in Qualifier 1, the Vipers rebounded with a dominant seven-wicket win over the Sharjah Warriorz on Friday, clinching their spot in the final.
Before the highly anticipated final, Vipers' captain, Lockie Ferguson, who will be sidelined due to an injury, remarked, “From the very beginning, we have all cherished being part of this squad, and the camaraderie we have built has translated onto the field. The Dubai Capitals are an outstanding team, and I believe the top two teams have rightfully made it to the final.”
“We had a fantastic match against the Capitals in Qualifier 1, but tomorrow is the final, and we both start from zero. It’s an exciting opportunity for players to rise to the occasion. Each team has different strengths, and finals always come with pressures; it’s a big chance, and with opportunity comes pressure. It’s been a lengthy build-up, but the boys are ready for tomorrow,” he added.
In agreement, Dubai Capitals captain, Sam Billings, stated, “Our confidence is soaring after a strong run. Various players have stepped up, including standout performances from Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib. We’re looking forward to the final. Last year’s atmosphere was incredible, and the passion for cricket in this region is immense; we hope both teams deliver an extraordinary performance.”
For the Vipers, Alex Hales has been pivotal with the bat, scoring three half-centuries and accumulating 400 runs across 12 matches. He has received significant support from Sam Curran, who has tallied 325 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 46.42.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Amir, and Lockie Ferguson have been key players for the Vipers, although the team will be without Hasaranga and Ferguson in the final. Hasaranga has been one of the season's top bowlers, securing 12 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 5.88. Amir has also claimed 12 wickets, while Ferguson has taken 11 wickets.
Last season's runners-up, the Dubai Capitals, began the season slowly but have since mounted a fierce charge towards their first title. After overcoming a three-match losing streak, they have triumphed in five of their last six matches, including three straight victories leading up to the final.
Naib has been a standout performer, amassing 376 runs and taking 11 wickets, making him the tournament's leading all-rounder. Notably, he has scored three half-centuries in his last three matches against the Vipers.
Regarding Naib’s impact on the team, Billings expressed, “He has been phenomenal. His performance on the field has been commendable, showcasing his three-dimensional skill set. He’s capitalizing on his opportunities, and we hope he can shine for the fans tomorrow.”
Shai Hope is a strong contender for the Green Belt (top scorer) with 484 runs in 11 innings, averaging 60.50, just nine runs shy of MI Emirates’ Tom Banton, who currently leads. Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has spearheaded the bowling attack with 13 wickets in nine matches.
The ILT20 features a total prize pool exceeding USD 1 million, with the champions earning USD 700,000 and the runners-up receiving USD 300,000. Exceptional individual performances will be recognized through the tournament’s distinctive belts: the Green Belt for the highest run-scorer, the White Belt for the leading wicket-taker, the Red Belt for the most valuable player, and the Blue Belt for the best UAE player. Each belt winner will be awarded USD 15,000.
