The Desert Vipers lifted their first-ever DP World ILT20 trophy after defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in a thrilling contest at a packed Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. Along with the prestigious Black Belt, the Vipers took home a cash prize of USD 700,000, while MI Emirates received USD 300,000.
Sam Curran Leads from the Front
Vipers captain Sam Curran delivered a sensational unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes to anchor his team’s total of 182/4. Max Holden (41 off 32) and Dan Lawrence (23 off 15) provided crucial support during the late overs, ensuring the Vipers set a challenging target.
Bowling Brilliance Secures Victory
Desert Vipers’ bowlers set the tone early with Naseem Shah claiming 3/18, supported by Usman Tariq (2/20) and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22). David Payne’s three-wicket haul (3/42) in the latter stages stifled MI Emirates’ chase, limiting them to 136 all out.
Curran Sweeps the Awards
Sam Curran’s remarkable all-round performance earned him both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and Green Belt (Best Batter). Curran finished the tournament with 397 runs, including three half-centuries, while also contributing seven wickets and 10 catches.
MI Emirates Struggle Early
The Vipers’ bowling attack struck immediately, as Naseem Shah removed Andre Fletcher (10) and Tom Banton (7), while Khuzaima Tanveer dismissed Muhammad Waseem (26). MI Emirates were reduced to 46/3 inside six overs, placing the onus on Shakib Al Hasan and Sanjay Krishnamurthi.
Shakib and Pollard Stage Brief Revival
Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard (28 off 27) added a 50-run partnership in 38 balls, temporarily reviving MI Emirates’ hopes. However, Usman Tariq removed Shakib to tilt the game back in favor of the Vipers. Subsequent wickets from Naseem Shah and David Payne ensured MI Emirates could not recover, with Khuzaima Tanveer sealing the win by dismissing Muhammad Rohid with nine balls remaining.
Vipers’ Strong Batting Display
The Vipers began aggressively in the powerplay, with Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) putting on 34 runs in three overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck twice in the fourth over to dismiss both openers, but Curran’s three consecutive boundaries at the end of the powerplay pushed the Vipers to 59/2.
Key Partnerships Propel Vipers
Curran and Max Holden’s 50-run stand by the 11th over laid the foundation, with Curran maintaining the momentum while Holden anchored the innings. Holden’s dismissal in the 15th over did not deter the Vipers, as Curran, alongside Dan Lawrence, added 57 runs in 33 balls to finish at 182/4.
Notable Season Awards
The White Belt for Best Bowler went to Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil, who claimed 18 wickets throughout the season. Muhammad Waseem of MI Emirates earned the Blue Belt for Best UAE Player for the fourth consecutive campaign, scoring 370 runs in Season 4. Winners of the DP World ILT20 signature belts received USD 15,000 each.
Brief Scores
Desert Vipers: 182/4 (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)
Result: Desert Vipers won by 46 runs.
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