Dubai Amateur 17-year-old Oscar Craig continues to showcase his impressive form with third-round level par 72 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
After 33 matches and plenty of dramatic moments, we have finally reached the finish line. Now it’s a contest between MI Emirates and Dubai for the coveted trophy as the two teams gear up for a mouthwatering final in the ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.
While MI Emirates finished the league phase on top, the Capitals sneaked into the playoffs, grabbing the fourth and last spot.
But they have been unstoppable since then, outclassing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and defending champions Gulf Giants to storm into the final.
Mi Emirates, on the other hand, produced a brilliant all-round performance against the Giants in the Qualifier 1 for a place in the final.
Both captains, Dubai Capitals’ Sam Billings and MI Emirates’ Nicholas Pooran, sounded confident of their teams’ chances in the final on Saturday.
Both also emphasised the role played by the local UAE players in the star-studded tournament.
MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, is among the top-scorers this season with 278 runs from 11 matches, having also impressed in the inaugural season last year.
Rohid Khan, the uncapped UAE pace bowler, has impressed with the ball for MI Emirates, taking 11 wickets in eight matches.
“Waseem has been brilliant not only this year (in ILT20), but last year as well. He has been playing very well in international cricket as well,” Pooran said during the pre-match press conference at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.
“This tournament has been very important for the growth of the UAE players. Waseem has been also scoring a lot of runs in international cricket for the UAE. He is a very good player.”
Billings, on the other hand, praised the impact of UAE spinner Haider Ali who has taken seven wickets in six matches for Dubai Capitals.
“The emergence of someone like Haider Ali, for me this is the most positive thing, seeing the emergence of these new UAE players. I have seen this last season as well,” Billings said.
“I have seen the pool of talent in the UAE really grow, that’s a huge part of why this tournament is so important.
“I think if you see the most successful teams, in terms of teams reaching the final, the UAE players have played a huge part.”
Alongside the big-name international players, the UAE players in both these teams will get another chance to impress in the big final tomorrow.
The winners will be richer by $700,000 while the runners-up will take home $300,000.
ILT20 Final
Saturday, February 17
MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 6:30 pm (UAE)
ALSO READ
Dubai Amateur 17-year-old Oscar Craig continues to showcase his impressive form with third-round level par 72 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Twice Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is set to make his Olympic debut while Nadal will be eyeing his third gold medal after wins in Beijing and Rio
The defending champions overpowered TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 in Cairo
Although the Gunners are top as they chase a first title for 20 years, Manchester City are regarded as statistical favourites to win a fourth successive crown
Highly-rated 19-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler scores match-winner on his first La Liga start
After a gap of nine years, the National side will play in the premier T20 tournament scheduled to be jointly hosted by the UAE and Oman
Debutant and |Dubai amateur Oscar Craig makes the cut on a tough day dominated by warm winds
Chief organiser Tony Estanguet says the goal is to organise a 'spectacular but also more responsible Games which will contribute towards a more inclusive society'