Dubai (Anjum Shakeel): Gulf Giants Development have won the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2026, beating Desert Vipers Development by four wickets in the final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, the UAE. Chasing 144, Gulf Giants reached 144/6 in 18.4 overs, with eight balls to spare, to lift the trophy for the second time.
Desert Vipers won the toss and elected to bat, but Gulf Giants’ bowlers kept them in check and dismissed them for 143 in 19.5 overs. Aayan Khan led the attack with 3/33, while Hazret Luqman claimed 2/30.
The chase was controlled rather than hurried. Gulf Giants reached the target in 18.4 overs, with Junaid Shamsuddin making a valuable contribution at both ends. He took 1/8 and then scored 29 off 29 balls, earning Player of the Match honours.
The victory completed a strong tournament for Gulf Giants Development, who finished top of the group stage with four wins from five matches. It is the side’s second title in the competition, following its 2024 triumph.
Gulf Giants Head Coach Simon Helmot said the team delivered “about as complete a performance as we could have asked for”.
“We were sharp with the ball from the first over and never let the game get away from us, and then our terrific batters did the rest. To restrict a strong batting unit to 143 and chase it down with overs and wickets in hand tells you everything about the character in this group.”
The campaign also brought individual recognition for two Gulf Giants batters. Sagar Kalyan finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, making 280 runs in seven matches at an average of 46.67 and a strike rate of 189.19.
Ansh Tandon was third on the tournament’s run-scoring list with 237 runs at an average of 33.86 and a strike rate of 176.87.
Helmot said having two of the tournament’s top five run-scorers in the Gulf Giants squad reflected the work being done in scouting and talent development.
“Having two of the top five run scorers in the tournament come from our own squad is a testament to our scouting and talent development. Sagar and Ansh have been outstanding throughout the tournament, and the platform provided by this tournament is exactly what UAE cricket needs. It gives the upcoming players a genuine stage to show what they can do in front of the franchises ahead of the DP World ILT20 auctions.”
The tournament also gives DP World ILT20 franchises an opportunity to assess emerging players ahead of the auction. Helmot said Gulf Giants had already identified players from across the competition whom they would consider for the next stage of squad-building.
“This competition plays a big role in how we build our squad going forward. We’ve already identified our targets for the auction from all the teams that played in the tournament. We've got off to a great start here, and now the focus shifts to the auction and building towards a title charge in the DP World ILT20 as well.”
