David Warner will be fit to help Dubai Capitals push for a first DP World International League T20 title when they face Desert Vipers in the final on Sunday.
The Australian great has played just one match in the competition so far, after arriving from playing at the Big Bash League.
Despite such limited exposure, he has already had a significant impact on the event. In that match, against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, he hit 93 not out from 57 balls.
It set the Capitals up for the second biggest total in the competition and a victory, but Warner missed the following two matches due to a back injury.
The Capitals played three matches in the course of four days, with Warner sitting out the latter two. They thrived despite his absence, striking two psychological blows ahead of the final.
First, they beat the Vipers by nine wickets in the final match of the league phase. Then, on Wednesday, they beat the same opposition in a final-ball thriller to become the first team through to the showpiece fixture at Dubai International Stadium.
The Vipers subsequently made it through in their second-chance qualifier against Sharjah Warriorz on Friday night. It mean
Warner said the previous fixtures between the side will count for nothing in the final, though.
“When you've beaten them a couple of times, that’s the scary part,” Warner said. “Sometimes that momentum can break. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen and we can continue our form.
“They have a powerhouse batting line-up, so for us, it’s all about taking early wickets, sticking to our basics and plans with the ball.”
Each of the sides have been runners up in the previous two seasons of the UAE’s franchise competition.
The Vipers were the losing finalists in the first season, against Gulf Giants back in 2023, while the Capitals lost out to MI Emirates 12 months later.
Having been part of the Vipers side in the first campaign, Sam Billings switched to the Capitals last season. The Capitals captain is looking to avoid a hat-trick of final defeats.
As with Warner, he was a late arrival after playing at the BBL. The duo played together for Sydney Thunder in that event in Australia, and Billings is happy to have the 38-year-old opener back available for selection.
“It was a real blessing that we had a few extra days to rest up [after winning their place in the final by winning the first qualifier on Wednesday],” Billings said.
“He is a quality performer. [We played] together at the Big Bash [for Sydney Thunder] this year and got through to the final, and he showed his class.
“People were starting to write him off, but actually I think he has played some of his best cricket in recent times. Any team that David Warner is in is a stronger team for it.
“He is a big game player and I have no doubt he is the sort of guy who will step up tomorrow. That is what I am hoping for.”
If the Capitals do claim the title it would be the first win in a major franchise tournament for their owners, GMR.
They also own the Delhi franchise of the same name in the Indian Premier League, whose best result was finishing runners up in the 2020 IPL – the final of which was also played in Dubai.
While the Capitals are welcoming back one of their key players, the Vipers will be without two major assets of their own.
Lockie Ferguson, their captain, is nursing a hamstring strain, and will not be risked with a view to national duty with New Zealand in the Champions Trophy later this month.
Wanindu Hasaranga has also departed the squad because of international commitments with Sri Lanka.
Ferguson did at least complete the pre-final formalities in his role as captain, but will now hand over the leadership duties to Sam Curran for the match.
“From day one we have all enjoyed being a part of the squad, and the family we have created has translated on the field,” Ferguson said.
“The Dubai Capitals are an exceptional team, and I think the top two teams in the competition have made it to the final.”
Despite the loss of Ferguson and Hasaranga, the Vipers still have plenty of experience to call on, with Mohammed Amir leading their bowling attack.
“I love big stages, so why not? I want to be a part of the champion team,” Amir said.
“This [ILT20] is on my bucket list. I have won 2009 T20 World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, PSL, CPL, T10. And now I want to win this tournament.”
