ILT20 Playoffs: DV vs DC & MIE vs SW – Who Will Reach the Final?

DP World ILT20 Playoffs: Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – Who Will Reach the Final?

The DP World ILT20 Season 3 has reached its most thrilling phase as the top four teams – Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz – have locked their spots in the playoffs. With the stakes at an all-time high, the action-packed week will determine which two teams will battle it out for the prestigious ILT20 title and a prize pool of USD 1.3 million.

The playoffs kick off with Qualifier 1 on February 5, where Desert Vipers take on Dubai Capitals. The winner of this match will secure a direct spot in the Final on February 9. Meanwhile, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz will clash in the Eliminator on February 6, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 to face the loser of Qualifier 1 for the second Final berth.

Let’s take a deep dive into how these teams made it to the playoffs and what lies ahead.

 Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – Qualifier 1

Desert Vipers – The Table-Toppers Eyeing Redemption

Desert Vipers dominated the league stage, finishing at the top of the points table with seven wins from ten matches. The team started their campaign on a high, winning four consecutive matches, and looked set for an easy playoff run. However, two defeats in their last three games exposed some weaknesses, making their upcoming clash against Dubai Capitals a challenging one.

The Vipers will be banking on their in-form players:

• Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs) leading the charge with the bat.
• Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir have been sensational with the ball, both taking 11 wickets each, with Hasaranga boasting the best economy rate (5.33) in the tournament.

What’s at Stake? A win will send the Vipers straight into the ILT20 Final. A loss will force them to play Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner.

 Dubai Capitals – A Strong Comeback to Secure Playoff Spot

Dubai Capitals had a rollercoaster journey this season. After losing three consecutive games, they made a stunning comeback, winning five of their last six matches to finish second on the points table.

Key performers for Dubai Capitals:

• Shai Hope (467 runs) – The leading run-scorer of the tournament and holder of the Green Belt.
• Dushmantha Chameera (12 wickets) – Leading the Capitals’ bowling attack.
• Gulbadin Naib (314 runs, 9 wickets) – A true all-rounder who has contributed significantly in both departments.

Sikandar Raza on Dubai Capitals’ Playoff Run:
“The extra cushion of being in the top two helps, but we want to win Qualifier 1 and go straight to the final.”

Head-to-Head:
The Capitals hold the psychological advantage, having defeated the Vipers twice this season. Can they make it three in a row?

 MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – Eliminator

 MI Emirates – Defending Champions Looking for Momentum. MI Emirates were the second team to qualify for the playoffs, but their season has been inconsistent. With five wins from ten games, they need to hit peak form to defend their title successfully.

Star performers for MI Emirates:

• Tom Banton (464 runs, 2 centuries) – The first player to score two centuries in ILT20 history.
• Nicholas Pooran (3 half-centuries) – A proven match-winner.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi (20 wickets) – The leading wicket-taker of the season, currently holding the White Belt.

What’s at Stake? A loss means elimination, while a win keeps them alive for another shot at the final.

Sharjah Warriorz – The Late Bloomers Ready for a Fight

Sharjah Warriorz had a mixed season, starting with four losses in a row before making a stunning comeback with three consecutive victories to clinch the fourth playoff spot.

Key contributors for the Warriorz:

• Tom Kohler-Cadmore (347 runs) & Johnson Charles (305 runs) – The backbone of their batting unit.
• Adam Milne (11 wickets) & Tim Southee (8 wickets) – Leading the bowling attack.

The Warriorz enter the Eliminator after a dominant eight-wicket win against MI Emirates in their last league match. However, their four-match losing streak earlier in the tournament started with a nine-wicket loss to MI Emirates. They’ll be eager to settle the score.

What’s at Stake? The winner moves on to Qualifier 2, while the loser is knocked out.

ILT20 Playoff Prize Pool & Individual Awards

With USD 1.3 million in total prize money, the stakes are incredibly high:
Champions – USD 700,000
 Runners-up – USD 300,000
 Individual Player Awards – USD 15,000 each

• Green Belt – Leading run-scorer (Currently: Shai Hope – 467 runs)
• White Belt – Leading wicket-taker (Currently: Fazalhaq Farooqi – 20 wickets)
• Red Belt – Most valuable player
• Blue Belt – Best UAE player

 ILT20 Playoff Schedule & Final

Qualifier 1: Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – February 5 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Eliminator: MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – February 6 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator – February 7 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
FINAL: February 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Who Will Lift the ILT20 Trophy?

As Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz gear up for the ultimate battle, which team will emerge victorious? Can the Vipers continue their dominance, or will the Capitals maintain their winning momentum? Will MI Emirates defend their title, or will the Warriorz complete a stunning comeback?

All eyes are on the ILT20 Playoffs 2025! Who’s your pick for the champion? Drop your predictions in the comments!