The DP World ILT20 Season 3 concluded on a high note, with Dubai Capitals lifting the trophy after a thrilling final against Desert Vipers. While international stars stole the limelight, UAE domestic cricketers also made a significant impact by putting up stellar performances for their respective teams. In this article, we will take a look at the top five UAE performers in ILT20 Season 3.
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Here are the top five UAE players who lit up the tournament
1. Muhammad Waseem
Representing MI Emirates, Muhammad Wasim had another strong campaign, earning the Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) for the third consecutive season, scoring 183 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 132.60. Renowned for his explosive batting, almost half of his runs came from sixes, as he hit 13 sixes during the competition. Wasim also showcased his fielding skills, taking six catches throughout the tournament.
2. Muhammad Rohid Khan
Part of the MI Emirates line-up, Muhammad Rohid Khan performed brilliantly with the ball, taking 10 wickets in just five matches. He took three wickets twice, including a match-winning spell against Desert Vipers and another crucial performance against Sharjah Warriors in the Eliminator.
3. Ayan Afzal Khan
The young all-rounder impressed for the Gulf giants, even though his team missed out on the playoffs. Ayan emerged as one of the competition’s premier spinners, taking 10 wickets in seven innings. He recorded the best bowling figures by a UAE player in DP World ILT20 history with his four wickets for just 16 runs against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. He also maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.17 from 17 overs, with only Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) matching him and Wanindu Hasaranga (Desert Vipers) having a better economy rate.
4. Alishan Sharafu
Alishan Sharafu played a vital role in Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ middle order, scoring 220 runs in nine innings at an average of 31.42. He started the tournament with a 46 against Desert Vipers, while his best innings was a 38-ball 55 in a stunning 42-run win over MI Emirates.
5. Khuzaima Tanvir
Despite sharing the bowling duties for Desert Vipers with international stars like Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Amir and Wanindu Hasaranga, Khuzaima Tanvir picked up a match-winning four for 22 against Sharjah Warriors. When the two teams clashed again in Qualifier 2, he picked up two wickets, showing his ability to perform well in high-pressure encounters.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team India’s Record at Dubai Cricket Stadium
Special Mention
Farhan Khan earned praise for his composure under pressure, defending 11 runs in the final over against MI Emirates’ Kieron Pollard in the first match of the season. The right-arm pacer, who often handles the new ball for Dubai Capitals, has established himself as a player to watch out for in the future. MI Emirates pacer Zahoor Khan also made his presence felt during the tournament by taking five wickets and adding depth to the team’s bowling attack.