Dubai Capitals Win ILT20 Season 3 Title | Thrilling Final Recap: In a nail-biting finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Dubai Capitals etched their name in history by clinching their maiden DP World ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers. The win marked a redemption arc for the Capitals, who had fallen short in the previous season, and they celebrated their triumph with a well-deserved cash prize of USD 700,000 while the Desert Vipers were awarded USD 300,000.
Chasing a challenging target of 190, the Capitals’ victory was sealed in dramatic fashion by Sikandar Raza, who delivered a match-winning cameo of 34 runs off just 12 balls. His explosive hitting in the final overs, including three boundaries and a six, ensured the Capitals crossed the line with four balls to spare. Earlier in the chase, Rovman Powell’s blistering 63 off 38 balls and Shai Hope’s steady 43 laid the foundation for the successful run chase.
The Desert Vipers, batting first, posted a competitive total of 189/5, thanks to a stellar 76-run knock by Max Holden and an unbeaten 62 from Sam Curran. Holden’s innings was a masterclass in resilience, as he anchored the innings after early wickets fell. Curran, who was later named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, provided the late flourish with a 28-ball half-century, supported by Azam Khan’s quickfire 27 off 13 balls.
The Capitals’ chase got off to a rocky start, losing opener David Warner in the second over. Mohammad Amir further dented their hopes by dismissing Gulbadin Naib and captain Sam Billings in quick succession. At 39/3 after the powerplay, the Capitals were under pressure, but Powell and Hope steadied the ship with a crucial 80-run partnership. Powell’s aggressive stroke play, including two towering sixes, kept the Capitals in the hunt.
With 65 runs needed off the last five overs, the game hung in the balance. Powell and Dasun Shanaka kept the momentum going with a couple of sixes, but Powell’s dismissal for 63 in the 18th over brought the Vipers back into the contest. However, Raza’s heroics in the final overs ensured the Capitals emerged victorious, extending their dominance over the Vipers to six consecutive wins.
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The Desert Vipers had started strongly with Holden’s aggressive batting in the powerplay, but the Capitals’ bowlers, led by Obed McCoy’s early breakthroughs, kept the scoring in check. Despite a late surge from Curran and Khan, the Vipers’ total proved just short of what was needed.
The grand finale also saw the presentation of the DP World ILT20’s signature awards. Shai Hope, the Capitals’ consistent performer, walked away with the Green Belt for being the tournament’s best batter, amassing 529 runs. MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the White Belt for his 21 wickets, the most by any bowler. Sam Curran, despite ending on the losing side, was awarded the Red Belt as the Most Valuable Player for his all-round contributions of 387 runs and seven wickets. Meanwhile, MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem continued his dominance in the UAE cricket circuit, securing the Blue Belt for the third consecutive season as the best UAE player.
The final was a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating season, showcasing the best of T20 cricket. Rovman Powell, named Player of the Match, reflected on the victory, saying, “Big players stand up in finals, and I’m glad we got through.” Sam Curran, though disappointed with the loss, praised his team’s efforts and expressed hope for a stronger campaign next year. With the Dubai Capitals lifting the trophy and individual stars shining bright, DP World ILT20 Season 3 will be remembered as a tournament of high-octane cricket, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments.
