The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4. In a dramatic do-or-die encounter, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) held their nerve to secure victory and book the fourth and final spot in the playoffs. They will now join the already-qualified Dubai Capitals (DC), Desert Vipers (DV), and MI Emirates (MIE) in the knockout stage, all vying to lift the coveted trophy.
The Playoff Roadmap and Team Histories
The playoff structure is now confirmed. The first Qualifier will see the Desert Vipers take on MI Emirates. Simultaneously, the Eliminator will pit the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against the defending champions, Dubai Capitals. As per the tournament rules, the losing team from Qualifier 1 will get a second chance, facing the winner of the Eliminator for a place in the grand final.
Looking at the pedigree of the qualified teams, both Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates have tasted ILT20 glory before, winning in 2025 and 2024 respectively. The Desert Vipers have been consistent finalists, reaching the summit clash in both 2023 and 2025, but are yet to cross the final hurdle. For the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, this marks their second playoff appearance, having also reached the knockouts in the 2024 season.
Form Guide: How The Top Four Reached Here
The journey to the playoffs has been distinct for each team. The Desert Vipers were simply sensational in the league stage, topping the table with 8 wins from 10 matches. They began the season with six consecutive victories, which included several nail-biting finishes against fellow qualifiers.
MI Emirates, despite a mixed start where they lost three of their first five games, staged a remarkable comeback. They finished second on the points table, powered by five consecutive wins to enter the playoffs as the most in-form team.
The paths for Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were more turbulent. DC, now led by Mohammad Nabi, had an inconsistent run, never managing more than three wins in a row and closing the league stage with a defeat. ADKR's campaign was even more precarious. Led by Jason Holder, they were bottom of the standings halfway through, with four losses in five matches. However, consecutive wins against the Vipers and Gulf Giants revived their hopes, and a final push against the Giants on Sunday sealed their playoff berth with four wins and six losses.
Standout Performers and Award Holders
Several players have left an indelible mark on this ILT20 season. For the table-topping Desert Vipers, the all-round impact of Sam Curran has been immense. The Englishman has scored 285 runs and taken 7 wickets, making crucial contributions. His teammate, Max Holden, is the leading run-scorer of the season with 318 runs, brilliantly recovering from an early-season controversy to deliver match-winning knocks.
Dubai Capitals have relied on multiple star acts. Jordan Cox (311 runs) and Shayan Jahangir (302 runs) have been prolific with the bat, while Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets) have led the bowling charge.
The official ILT20 award belts before the playoffs are held by:
- Green Belt (Most Runs): Max Holden (Desert Vipers) - 318 runs
- White Belt (Most Wickets): Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals) - 17 wickets
- Red Belt (Most Valuable Player): Sam Curran (Desert Vipers) - 285 runs & 7 wickets
- Blue Belt (Best UAE Player): Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates) - 293 runs
The squads for all four teams are packed with international talent and promising associates, setting the stage for a high-octane conclusion to ILT20 Season 4. The battle for the trophy begins now.
