Stamping its mark as one of the best and keenly fought franchise leagues in the world, the curtains of the UAE’s own cricket league – the ILT20 season 2 came down at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. MI Emirates lifted the glittering trophy, beating Dubai Capitals in front of a capacity crowd that had filled nearly every seat at the stadium. The large turnout was nothing but the result of all six teams producing brilliant contests. In short, T20 cricket was at its best. The intensity and fighting spirit that all teams displayed resulted in most matches ending in thrillers, with last over finishes and even a last-ball six win.  Nicholas Pooran, skipper of MI Emirates, produced the most valuable and exciting captain’s knock in the final; but that was not the only captain’s knock since all teams had their captains leading from the front. The season 2 contests have left an indelible mark given that none of the knockout matches or the final could predict the winner.

The fate of all matches swung like a pendulum, drawing spectators to the edge of their seats. The fact that last year’s winners Gulf Giants and runners-up Desert Vipers failed to make it to the finals was purely because the others had arrived as stronger teams and shrewd strategies. With huge viewership and sponsorship support, even cricket fans were rewarded handsomely. Three fans, namely Imran Ahmed, Nikhil Akali, and Chamod Lokabalasuriya, won Audi A3 cars in the raffle draw. Sam Billing received a cycle from Cycle Hub, one of the leading cycle stores in Dubai. All Player of the Match and Biggest Six of the match winners received $1500 for every match. As for the biggest award, MI Emirates walked away with the winners’ prize of $700,000 (USD) while runners-up Dubai Capitals received $300,000 (USD).

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)