The Desert Vipers made history on Sunday night by winning their maiden DP World ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium.
The Vipers were crowned champions after posting 182/4 in their 20 overs and restricting MI Emirates to 136 all out. The team took home a cash prize of $700,000 and the prestigious Black Belt, while MI Emirates earned $300,000 as runners-up.
Stellar Performances Propel Vipers to Victory
The Vipers were led by their skipper, Sam Curran, who smashed an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. His innings, combined with a crucial 41-run contribution from Max Holden and 23 from Dan Lawrence, anchored the team’s total.
Bowling was equally impressive, with Naseem Shah (3/18), Usman Tariq (2/20), and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) dismantling the MI Emirates lineup. David Payne sealed the victory with a three-wicket haul (3/42), finishing off the lower order and confirming the Vipers’ triumph with nine balls to spare.
Highlights from the Match
Powerplay Momentum: Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) began aggressively for the Vipers, putting up 34/0 in the first three overs. However, Fazalhaq Farooqi struck twice in the fourth over to dismiss both openers.
Key Partnerships: Curran and Holden forged an 89-run partnership to stabilize the innings, with Curran continuing to dominate while Holden rotated the strike effectively.
Death Overs Impact: Curran’s late partnership with Dan Lawrence added 57 runs in just 33 balls, ensuring the Vipers reached a competitive 182/4.
For MI Emirates, Shakib Al Hasan (36 off 27) and Kieron Pollard (28 off 27) formed a brief 50-run stand, but the Vipers’ bowling unit kept the pressure on, never allowing a significant comeback.
Individual Accolades and Belt Winners
The DP World ILT20 signature belts were awarded to the following standout performers:
Red Belt (Most Valuable Player): Sam Curran, Desert Vipers
Green Belt (Best Batter): Sam Curran, Desert Vipers
White Belt (Best Bowler): Waqar Salamkheil, Dubai Capitals (18 wickets)
Blue Belt (Best UAE Player): Muhammad Waseem, MI Emirates (370 runs in Season 4)
Sam Curran capped off a stellar tournament with 397 runs, three half-centuries, seven wickets, and ten catches, underlining his dominance throughout the season.
Spectacular Final Atmosphere
Fans at the Dubai International Stadium were treated to a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with dazzling fireworks and a drone show ahead of the match. Thousands of spectators soaked in the visual spectacle, celebrating the league and building anticipation for the final clash.
Looking Ahead
The Desert Vipers’ historic victory highlights their teamwork, strategy, and individual brilliance, particularly from Sam Curran and Naseem Shah. The win is a major milestone for the franchise and sets a high benchmark for future seasons of the DP World ILT20.
Final Scores:
Desert Vipers: 182/4 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 74*, Max Holden 41, Dan Lawrence 23; Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/33)
MI Emirates: 136 all out in 18.3 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 36, Kieron Pollard 28, Muhammad Waseem 26; Naseem Shah 3/18, David Payne 3/42, Usman Tariq 2/20, Khuzaima Tanveer 2/22)
Player of the Match: Sam Curran
