GEMS Modern Academy have stamped their authority on youth cricket in the UAE, winning both the Boys’ and Girls’ Finals at the DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2025. The finals, held at the ICC Academy on Saturday, marked the culmination of a month-long tournament that brought together 39 teams—including nine all-girls sides—in a major showcase for grassroots cricket development in the Emirates.
The back-to-back victories capped a memorable day for the Dubai-based school, especially as it claimed the inaugural Girls’ Final in the competition’s history—underscoring the growing popularity and inclusivity of cricket across the UAE.
Dominant Performances in Both Finals
In the Girls’ Final, GEMS Modern Academy chased down a target of 124 with ease, defeating JSS Private School by nine wickets. After JSS posted 123/6—led by captain Rehanna Nair’s unbeaten 36 and Amisha Anand’s 35—Ruvi Gattani’s tidy spell of 2/24 set the tone for the chase.
The GEMS response was anchored by an authoritative 73-run opening stand between Saloni Pandya (31 off 29) and Ishita Sainik Kumar (36* off 34). Captain Gayetri Menon then sealed the win with a brisk 25* off 19 balls, wrapping up the chase in just 13.4 overs.
The Boys’ Final followed a similar script of controlled dominance. Delhi Private School Dubai, after being sent in to bat, were dismissed for 123 thanks to strong spells from Jaidev Gattani (2/16) and Aryan Thapar (2/21). Despite a resilient 60 off 63 from Ethan Jude Carneiro, the DPS total never looked enough.
Thapar returned with the bat to top-score with 41 off 47, guiding GEMS to 124/3 in 17 overs. Yash Manghwani’s quick-fire 33 off 22 added momentum as the team completed their title double in style.
David White, CEO of the DP World ILT20 said:
“DP World ILT20 supports both the professional and community game, and what we are seeing here is fantastic. This year included girls’ teams, and the number of girls playing cricket has grown from around 1,000 to over 6,000.”
He added:
“The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup gives young players access to quality facilities—well-prepared wickets and outfields. The future of cricket in the UAE looks bright for both boys and girls.”
