ILT20: The Desert Vipers created history on Sunday night by lifting their first-ever DP World ILT20 trophy, defeating MI Emirates by a commanding 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium. Along with the coveted Black Belt, the Vipers walked away with a prize money of USD 700,000, while MI Emirates earned USD 300,000 as runners-up.
Skipper Sam Curran led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, smashing eight fours and two sixes to power the Vipers to a strong total of 182/4. He received solid support from Max Holden, who scored 41 off 32 balls, and Dan Lawrence, whose late burst of 23 off 15 added valuable runs at the death.
The bowlers then delivered a clinical performance, with Naseem Shah (3/18), Usman Tariq (2/20), and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) setting the tone. David Payne wrapped things up with a three-wicket haul (3/42) as MI Emirates were bowled out for 136.
A Night of Celebration and Spectacle
Fans at the Dubai International Stadium were treated to an unforgettable pre-match build-up. A stunning fireworks display and a dazzling drone show lit up the night sky, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Thousands of spectators soaked in the spectacle, setting the perfect tone for the biggest match of the season.
Sam Curran’s Dream Tournament
Vipers skipper Sam Curran capped off an outstanding tournament by claiming both the Red Belt for Most Valuable Player and the Green Belt for Best Batter. He finished the season with 397 runs, including three half-centuries, while also contributing seven wickets and taking 10 catches, underlining his all-round brilliance.
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ILT20: MI Emirates Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 183, MI Emirates ran into trouble early as Naseem Shah struck in his opening spell, removing Andre Fletcher (10 off 11) and Tom Banton (7 off 6). Khuzaima Tanveer then dismissed Muhammad Waseem (26 off 13), leaving MI Emirates reeling at 46/3 inside six overs.
Usman Tariq tightened the screws further by dismissing Sanjay Krishnamurthi (2 off 9) in the eighth over. Shakib Al Hasan (36 off 27) tried to steady the innings, but boundaries were hard to find. With Kieron Pollard struggling to get going, MI Emirates reached just 72/4 after 10 overs.
The pair of Shakib and Pollard (28 off 27) added a 50-run stand in 38 balls, briefly raising hopes. However, Tariq struck again to remove Shakib, leaving MI Emirates needing 61 runs from the final four overs.
Naseem Shah then dismissed Pollard to end any remaining resistance, before David Payne ripped through the lower order with three wickets in the 18th over. Khuzaima Tanveer sealed the win by knocking over Muhammad Rohid’s stumps (3 off 4), as the Vipers closed out the match with nine balls to spare.
Vipers Build a Solid Platform
Earlier in the evening, the Vipers got off to a brisk start as Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) raced to 34 without loss in the first three overs. The momentum shifted when Fazalhaq Farooqi struck twice in the fourth over, removing both openers.
Curran responded with intent, smashing three boundaries in the final over of the powerplay to take the Vipers to 59/2. He then stitched together a crucial partnership with Max Holden, rotating strike smartly and picking the right moments to attack. The pair added 50 runs in just 39 balls and carried the team to 83/2 at the halfway mark.
Holden played the anchor role while Curran kept the scoreboard moving, before Arab Gul broke their 89-run stand in the 15th over. Curran continued his charge, bringing up his half-century off 39 balls in the 17th over. His late partnership with Dan Lawrence added 57 runs in just 33 balls, pushing the total to a formidable 182/4.
Individual Awards and Accolades
The White Belt for Best Bowler went to Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil, who topped the bowling charts with 18 wickets. MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem claimed the Blue Belt for Best UAE Player for the fourth consecutive season after scoring 370 runs. Each of the signature belt winners received USD 15,000.
Captains Reflect on the Final
Player of the Match and Desert Vipers skipper Sam Curran said: “I was nervous coming into the final. The players, management and owners have been outstanding, and it’s going to be a big celebration tonight. Nerves are natural, and I think they help. You never quite know how the pitch will play, and losing Gous to injury in the warm-up tested us, but it showed the strength of our group and our setup. MI are a quality side, but over the course of the season we’ve been the most consistent team, and I think we deserved the trophy.”
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MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard said: “To be honest, it went wrong in the field. The start wasn’t sharp enough. In a final, those moments matter. Take away 15-20 runs and suddenly 160 becomes very chaseable. This is when you need players to step up, and we didn’t. The Vipers deserved to win. I still felt 180 was chaseable, but losing early wickets stalled us. Sam batted well, and overall, from where we started to where we finished, it’s been a fantastic tournament for us.”
Where to Watch
Cricket fans across India can catch the live action exclusively on &Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai SD, Zee Cinemalu, and on the OTT platform Zee 5.
Brief Scores
- Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs
- Desert Vipers 182/4 in 20 overs
Sam Curran 74 not out, Max Holden 41, Dan Lawrence 23
Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 33 - MI Emirates 136 all out in 18.3 overs
Shakib Al Hasan 36, Kieron Pollard 28, Muhammad Waseem 26
Naseem Shah 3 for 18, David Payne 3 for 42, Usman Tariq 2 for 20, Khuzaima Tanveer 2 for 22
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