DUBAI: The International League T20’s fourth season has reached the playoff stage, with the final four confirmed after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed the last spot with a 32-run win over Gulf Giants.

The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will then take on defending champions Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator in Dubai on Thursday. The winner will advance to Qualifier 2 in Sharjah to meet the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second spot in the final, set for Jan. 4 at Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers topped the league stage with eight wins, including a historic Super Over victory against Gulf Giants.

Key contributors include Max Holden (318 runs), Sam Curran (285 runs, seven wickets), and bowlers Khuzaima Tanveer (14 wickets) and David Payne (12 wickets).

MI Emirates, who secured second place with a late-season five-match winning streak, are evenly matched against the Vipers historically, with four wins apiece.

UAE star Muhammad Waseem (293 runs) has been a standout performer.

Reigning champions Capitals finished the league stage with five wins and five losses, led by bowlers Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets), and batsmen Jordan Cox (311 runs) and Shayan Jahangir (302 runs).

The Knight Riders, making only their second playoff appearance, will face a Capitals side that has won eight of nine previous encounters between the two. Ajay Kumar (15 wickets) has been their top bowler this season.

The ILT20 carries a total prize pool of over $1 million, with $700,000 for the champions and $300,000 for the runners-up.