With three teams already through and only one league match left, the ILT20 2025 playoff race has finally found some clarity. MI Emirates became the second side to qualify after dismantling Gulf Giants in Abu Dhabi, riding on a tight bowling effort and an unbeaten 140-run partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem. They now join Desert Vipers in the top two. After this, Dubai Capitals entered their way in the playoffs as well after they beat Sharjah Warriors.
That leaves two teams chasing the last playoff berth and just one day of league action remaining. The margin for error is slim and the remaining fixtures are perfectly positioned to decide the final four. One spot. Two contenders. Here’s how each of them stands.
ILT20 Points Table (Dec 28)
| Rank | Team | P | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desert Vipers (Q) | 10 | 8 | 2 | 16 | +0.438 |
| 2 | MI Emirates (Q) | 10 | 7 | 3 | 14 | +0.676 |
| 3 | Dubai Capitals (Q) | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 | +0.578 |
| 4 | Gulf Giants | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | -0.161 |
| 5 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | -0.805 |
| 6 | Sharjah Warriors | 10 | 3 | 7 | 6 | -0.815 |
ILT20 2025 Playoff Qualification Scenarios
Gulf Giants (6 points, 1 match left)
Match:
vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Dec 28)
So it is a must-win game for Gulf Giants, who will face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The last time GG faced Abu Dhabi, they lost. But they need to beat them in order to book a berth in the Eliminator against Dubai Capitals.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (6 points, 1 match left)
Match:
vs Gulf Giants (Dec 28)
- Win → 8 points → Same situation as Giants
It is the same for the Knight Riders, who need nothing less than a win. They would want Phil Salt and Alex Hales to fire, with Piyush Chawla doing his bit in the reserve fixture against Gulf Giants.
