Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers set for high-stakes ILT20 season 3 final

A thrilling conclusion awaits as Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers prepare to face off in the Season 3 final of the International League T20 (ILT20) at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With a prize pool exceeding USD 1 million and a new champion set to be crowned, the much-anticipated showdown promises to be a spectacle of top-tier cricket.

Dubai Capitals have a psychological advantage going into the final, having defeated the Vipers five times in a row in previous encounters. However, the Vipers have been one of the most dominant teams of the season, securing their playoff spot early with a strong start, winning their first four matches consecutively. Despite facing a setback in Qualifier 1 against the Capitals, the Vipers bounced back with a convincing seven-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz in the eliminator to earn their place in the final.

Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson, who will miss the final due to injury, reflected on the team’s journey and the challenge ahead. He emphasized the strong bond within the squad and acknowledged the Capitals’ strength as opponents. Ferguson noted that while the Vipers had a competitive match against them in the qualifier, the final would be a fresh contest with both teams starting from scratch. He stressed that the high stakes of a final bring added pressure but also create a great opportunity for players to step up.

Dubai Capitals skipper Sam Billings expressed confidence in his team’s form and highlighted the contributions of key players such as Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib. He recalled the electrifying atmosphere of last year’s final and looked forward to another thrilling match in front of passionate cricket fans in the region.

For the Vipers, Alex Hales has been their leading performer with the bat, scoring 400 runs in 12 matches, including three half-centuries. Sam Curran has also played a crucial role, amassing 325 runs at an impressive average of 46.42. The team’s bowling unit, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Amir, and Lockie Ferguson, has been instrumental in their success, though the Vipers will be without Hasaranga and Ferguson in the final. Hasaranga, with 12 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 5.88, has been one of the most effective bowlers of the tournament, while Amir and Ferguson have also made valuable contributions with 12 and 11 wickets, respectively.

Meanwhile, Dubai Capitals have staged a remarkable turnaround after a slow start to the season. Following a three-match losing streak, they have won five of their last six games, including three consecutive victories on their way to the final. Gulbadin Naib has been the standout performer, emerging as the tournament’s top all-rounder with 376 runs and 11 wickets. Notably, he has scored three consecutive half-centuries against the Vipers. Billings praised Naib’s impact, describing him as a three-dimensional player who has consistently taken his opportunities and delivered for the team.

Shai Hope remains a strong contender for the Green Belt, awarded to the tournament’s leading run-scorer. With 484 runs at an average of 60.50 in 11 innings, he trails MI Emirates’ Tom Banton by just nine runs. Dushmantha Chameera has led the Capitals’ bowling attack with 13 wickets in nine matches, playing a key role in their journey to the final.

The ILT20 offers a total prize pool of over USD 1 million, with the champions set to receive USD 700,000 and the runners-up earning USD 300,000. Additionally, standout players will be recognized through the tournament’s signature awards: 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 receive a cash prize of USD 15,000.