
The ILT20 2025 season Absolutely thrilling. From jaw-dropping sixes to game-changing wickets, this edition had it all. And the grand finale? A spectacle. On February 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden title, chasing down 189/5 with just four wickets in hand against the Desert Vipers. Pure drama.
Now that the dust has settled, let’s dive into the standout performers and unveil the Best XI of ILT20 2025.
Openers: Shai Hope (wk) & Alex Hales
- Shai Hope – The rock of Dubai Capitals’ batting. He racked up 527 runs in 12 innings, averaging 58.55. One century. Three half-centuries. Clutch performances when it mattered most.
- Alex Hales – The Desert Vipers’ powerhouse. 405 runs in 13 innings. A stunning display of power hitting – 43 fours, 18 sixes. When he fired, the Vipers soared.
Middle Order: Tom Banton, Gulbadin Naib, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (c), Jason Holder
- Tom Banton – A revelation for MI Emirates. 493 runs at a fiery 151.69 strike rate. Bowlers feared him. Fans adored him.
- Gulbadin Naib – The ultimate all-rounder. 381 runs, 11 wickets. A key piece in Dubai Capitals’ championship puzzle.
- Nicholas Pooran – MI Emirates’ middle-order assassin. 301 runs, strike rate of 160.10. Could turn any game on its head in a matter of overs.
- Sam Curran (c) – The Desert Vipers’ heartbeat. 387 runs. Seven wickets. Led from the front, inspiring his team every step of the way.
- Jason Holder – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ warrior. 17 wickets. A lethal mix of pace and precision. Also contributed handy lower-order runs at a blistering 180 strike rate.
Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga, Aayan Afzal Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Blessing Muzarabani
- Wanindu Hasaranga – A nightmare for batters. 12 wickets in nine matches. Economy rate? A ridiculous 5.88.
- Aayan Afzal Khan – UAE’s rising star. 10 wickets in 10 games for Gulf Giants. At just 19, he bowled with maturity beyond his years.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – The tournament’s leading wicket-taker. 21 wickets in 11 innings. Destroyed top orders. Defined match-winner.
- Blessing Muzarabani – Gulf Giants’ pace enforcer. 16 wickets in 10 innings. Consistently broke partnerships and kept batters on edge.
Honorable Mentions
Some stars just missed the cut but deserve a shoutout:
- James Vince – A rock-solid performer for Gulf Giants.
- Trent Boult – His swing bowling was pure magic.
- Sunil Narine – An all-round showstopper.
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