Dubai,
Gulf Giants Development was crowned champions of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024, following a six-wicket victory against the ILT20 Pearls in the final. The Giants’ run chase was buoyed by Shival Bawa’s dazzling half-century and vital contributions from Vriitya Arvind, Hameed Khan and Muhammad Saghir Khan.
Yassir Kaleem’s half century helped the Pearls post 185/5 earlier in the day. Rohan Mustafa also registered a comprehensive performance with bat and ball for the Pearls, that went in vain.
The final at the ICC Academy Oval 1 unfolded in a festive atmosphere, with cricket lovers and the friends and families of the players cheering passionately from the stands. Notably, the competition offered UAE players a chance to earn one of 12 coveted berths in the six DP World ILT20 Season 3 squads, with the all-important draft set for October 23.
The Giants’ run chase faltered to 20/2 with Rohan Mustafa picking up the wickets of Muhammad Irfan and Samal Udawantha. Giants’ captain, Vriitya Arvind was joined by Shival Bawa as the pair notched an essential partnership of 80 runs.
Hameed Khan also contributed a swift knock of 27 runs in 13 balls before he was castled by Rohan Mustafa in the 16th over. Shival Bawa was then aided by Muhammad Saghir Khan’s high-impact innings of 33 runs in 11 balls, as the Giants chased down the target in 19 overs.
With the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024 completing a second edition, the developmental tournament continued to highlight some of the finest talent from around the region. Raees Ahmed finished as the top scorer of the tournament, amassing 307 runs for the ILT20 Thunderbolts while Uzair Khan emerged as the leading wicket taker with 16 scalps for the Pearls.