Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory dominant all-round performance to lift their first-ever DP World ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in a memorable final at the Dubai International Stadium. It was a night to remember as Sam Curran led from the front and guided Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory, sealing a historic achievement for the franchise.
Sam Curran’s Captaincy Masterclass with the Bat
Winning the toss and batting first, the Vipers got off to a positive start through Fakhar Zaman and Jason Roy. The opening pair added quick runs in the powerplay before both fell in the fourth over, briefly shifting momentum. However, skipper Sam Curran took control immediately, showing calm leadership that would define the match and push Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory.
Curran played a superb unbeaten knock of 74 runs from 51 balls, mixing patience with well-timed aggression. He found strong support from Max Holden, who scored a composed 41, and later from Dan Lawrence, whose quick 23 added valuable runs at the death. The Curran-Holden partnership of 89 runs steadied the innings and laid the platform for Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory.
Curran reached his half-century in the 17th over and accelerated brilliantly in the final overs. His late partnership with Lawrence added 57 runs in just 33 balls, lifting the Vipers to a competitive total of 182/4. That score proved more than enough and was a key step in guiding Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory.
Bowlers Seal a Historic ILT20 Title
Defending 183, the Vipers’ bowlers came out with intensity and discipline. Naseem Shah set the tone early by removing Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, putting MI Emirates under pressure right from the start. Khuzaima Tanveer added to the damage by dismissing Muhammad Waseem, tightening the grip as Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory became a real possibility.
MI Emirates struggled at 46/3 inside the powerplay, and although Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard tried to rebuild, the required run rate kept climbing. Usman Tariq broke the key partnership by removing Shakib, shifting the game firmly in the Vipers’ favour and pushing Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory within reach.
Naseem returned to dismiss Pollard, ending any hopes of a late comeback. David Payne then delivered a decisive over, claiming three wickets and completely dismantling the lower order. MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, confirming Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory with nine balls to spare.
Sam Curran capped off a dream tournament by winning both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter), finishing with 397 runs, seven wickets, and 10 catches. With strong leadership, balanced performances, and match-winning moments, the final truly belonged to Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 glory, a triumph that will be remembered for years.
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