DSL Ultra Cup 2025 – A Thrilling Middle‑East T20 League in Dubai
The DSL Ultra Cup 2025, staged in Dubai between June 14 and July 31, featured three high-octane league fixtures at two iconic venues: DP World Cricket Ground and Kings School Cricket Ground. With just three teams competing—Macwise Titans B, Inoxiumtubi, and Faisal XI – UAE—every match had high stakes, delivering gripping finishes, fierce rivalries, and standout individual performances.
Match 1: Inoxiumtubi vs Macwise Titans B – 14 June 2025
The tournament kicked off with Inoxiumtubi facing Macwise Titans B at DP World Cricket Ground. Batting first, Macwise Titans B set a challenging total after 25 overs, with contributions from explosive batters like Divan Mienie, who smashed 33 off just 16 balls at a strike rate over 200.
In response, Inoxiumtubi chased the target with confidence and flair, completing the run chase in 22.4 overs and winning by 7 wickets. Ahsan Shah played a match-winning knock, scoring a blazing 41 off 20 balls, including 9 boundaries. The bowling unit, led by Mustafa Ayub and Khurram Khawaja, who took two wickets each, played a crucial role in restricting Macwise Titans B to a chaseable total.
Match 2: Inoxiumtubi vs Macwise Titans B – 20 June 2025
Just six days later, the two sides met again—this time at Kings School Cricket Ground. What followed was a statement performance from Macwise Titans B, who chased down the target in just 9.1 overs, winning by 9 wickets and leveling the scoreline between the two teams.
Divan Mienie was once again in blistering form, scoring 28 off 15 balls with a strike rate over 180, while Aaryan Madani provided strong support with 26 off 16 balls. On the bowling front, Syed Makhdoom delivered a spell of controlled aggression, taking 2 wickets with an economy rate of just 2.25. Rishabh Vaswani and George also picked up two wickets each, effectively dismantling Inoxiumtubi’s batting lineup.
Match 3: Faisal XI – UAE vs Macwise Titans B – 6 July 2025
The final league fixture saw Faisal XI – UAE entering the fray against an in-form Macwise Titans B. The game proved to be a nail-biter. Faisal XI – UAE set a competitive target, largely driven by Niaz Ali, who scored 24 off 19 balls.
Macwise Titans B’s run chase was far from easy. Faisal XI’s Shahzad Illiyas bowled a brilliant spell, taking 4 wickets in 4 overs while conceding just 22 runs. However, it was the depth and resilience of the Macwise Titans B batting lineup that eventually saw them through. Vaibhav Kumar anchored the innings with a composed 31 off 25 balls, and Raunak Vaswani finished things off in style with 22 off just 11 balls at a strike rate above 200. Titans secured victory by 2 wickets with 8 balls remaining, maintaining their unbeaten record.
Tournament Narrative & Analysis
Macwise Titans B emerged as the dominant team, finishing the tournament unbeaten with three wins from three matches. Their campaign was characterized by a perfect blend of aggressive batting, tactical bowling, and calm under pressure. After an opening loss to Inoxiumtubi, they responded emphatically, controlling the rest of the tournament.
Inoxiumtubi started strong but struggled with consistency. Their batting revolved heavily around a few key players, and despite a solid win in the opener, they couldn’t repeat the performance in their second fixture. They will be looking to regroup and return stronger in future editions.
Faisal XI – UAE showed flashes of potential, particularly with the ball. Shahzad Illiyas stood out with his ability to take wickets under pressure. However, their inability to defend their total in the final match ultimately cost them a place in the winner’s circle.
Standout Performers
Divan Mienie (Macwise Titans B): A destructive batter, Mienie’s high-impact knocks in both wins over Inoxiumtubi set the tone for his team’s dominant run. He was arguably the tournament’s most dangerous batter.
Aaryan Madani (Macwise Titans B): Complemented Mienie with fluent stroke-play and high strike rates, especially during the rapid chase in Match 2.
Ahsan Shah (Inoxiumtubi): Sparked life into the tournament with his aggressive 41-run innings in the opener, helping secure a win for Inoxiumtubi.
Raunak Vaswani (Macwise Titans B): Played a crucial finishing role, particularly in Match 3, where his explosive 22 off 11 balls helped seal a tense chase.
Shahzad Illiyas (Faisal XI – UAE): Delivered the best bowling performance of the tournament with a 4-wicket haul in a pressure situation.
Tactical Takeaways
Batting Firepower: Teams that capitalized on powerplays and kept scoring rates high were successful. Macwise Titans B’s approach of attacking from the outset was key to their victories.
Bowling Discipline: Economical and wicket-taking spells, especially in the middle overs, were pivotal. Bowlers like Makhdoom and Shahzad proved that controlled aggression can tilt games.
Team Depth: Macwise Titans B showed their ability to bat deep and bowl with variety. This balance helped them come out on top in high-pressure moments.
Final Thoughts
The DSL Ultra Cup 2025, though compact in structure, packed the punch of a full-fledged league. Each game mattered, and every performance had implications for the standings. It was a perfect showcase of competitive T20 cricket in the Middle East, blending rising talent with seasoned performers.
Macwise Titans B emerged as deserved champions—undefeated and unmatched—thanks to a mix of power hitting, smart bowling, and cool-headed finishes. The tournament also spotlighted emerging players who are likely to become future stars in the region’s cricketing landscape.
For fans and followers of the game, the DSL Ultra Cup 2025 offered a reminder of why T20 cricket remains the sport’s most thrilling format: fast-paced, unpredictable, and endlessly exciting.
