DC Owners Deserve ILT20 Trophy More Than Anyone: Sam Billings

It was fitting that two of the best teams in the ILT20 2025—Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers—played the ILT20 2025 final in front of a packed crowd in Dubai. While Dubai have been here before, it was a first-time final for the Vipers, who, despite missing several superstars, almost had a foot and a half in the finish line. 

But Sikandar Raza and DC had other plans, with a brutal assault that turned the tide in no time, with the Zimbabwean all-rounder smashing 34 off 12 balls to help them chase 190 down. That’s been one of the hallmarks of the Dubai side this year, who have had plenty of match-winners help them over the line at many points of the competition. 

“Phenomenal. What a game of cricket. Few of us couldn't watch. Thankfully the guys got the job done. Couple of incredible knocks when the game was pretty much gone. We did a lot of good stuff,” an elated Billings said in the post-match presentation. 

“Pretty much carbon copy both teams and quality striking. To have the quality of someone like Raza at 7 and Scotty Kuggeleijn at 8, and even Qais at 9, who can strike it. Lots of conversations and to have bowling and batting options gave us a lot of flexibility,” he added. 

Billings also revealed how much the win meant to the Delhi Capitals’ group, who were yet to win a championship before the 2025 edition of ILT20. 

“Huge amount. 16-17 years and their first trophy. Two great human beings. Got my first opportunity in the IPL in 2015, two nice genuine people and very calm. They deserve it more than anyone,” Billings said. 

David Warner, too, chipped in, appreciating the owners for whom he had previously played franchise cricket in his early days. 

“The most important thing was to do it for the GMR family. They have worked hard, got to lots of finals. Credit to them. Lots of confidence in this side,” Warner, who played a couple of fixtures this edition, said.