Gulf Giants Development emerged victorious in the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024, securing a six-wicket win against the ILT20 Pearls in the final. The Giants' successful chase was powered by Shival Bawa's impressive half-century and significant contributions from Vriitya Arvind, Hameed Khan, and Muhammad Saghir Khan. Earlier, Yassir Kaleem's half-century helped the Pearls post a competitive total of 185/5.
Rohan Mustafa's all-round performance for the Pearls, which included both bat and ball, went unrewarded. The final, held at the ICC Academy Oval 1 on Wednesday, was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, with fans and families of the players enthusiastically supporting from the stands. Notably, the tournament offers UAE players an opportunity to secure one of 12 coveted spots in the six DP World ILT20 Season 3 squads, with the draft scheduled for October 23.
The Giants' chase got off to a shaky start, reaching 20/2, with Rohan Mustafa dismissing Muhammad Irfan and Samal Udawantha. Captain Vriitya Arvind and Shival Bawa then formed a crucial partnership, scoring 80 runs together. Despite Arvind being caught out for 34, Bawa remained unbeaten, steering the Giants to victory with 63 runs. Bawa's 48-ball innings included five fours and three sixes. Hameed Khan contributed a quickfire 27 runs before being dismissed by Mustafa, but Bawa's unbeaten stand with Muhammad Saghir Khan, who scored 33 runs off just 11 balls, ensured the Giants reached the target in 19 overs.
Earlier, the ILT20 Pearls had a strong start, with Alishan Sharafu's explosive 35-run knock in 15 balls, featuring four sixes and two fours. Rohan Mustafa anchored the innings with 33 runs in 37 balls. Sharafu was dismissed by Muhammad Irfan, who also took the wicket of Asif Khan for just one run. Yassir Kaleem remained unbeaten, scoring 72 runs in 45 deliveries, including seven sixes, to be the top scorer for the Pearls. Aayan Azfal Khan and Muhammad Zuhaib also picked up wickets, but Shahrukh Ahmed's 24-run knock in 15 balls helped the Pearls finish at 185/5 in 20 overs.
With the completion of the second edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024, the event continued to showcase regional talent. Raees Ahmed emerged as the tournament's top scorer, amassing 307 runs for the ILT20 Thunderbolts, while Uzair Khan led the wicket-taking charts with 16 scalps for the Pearls.
