Desert Vipers Win First ILT20 Title by 46 Runs Over MI Emirates

Desert Vipers claimed their first International League T20 title on January 4, 2026, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Skipper Sam Curran anchored the victory with an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, while Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah took 3 for 18, including the key wicket of MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard following a tense on-field exchange between the two players.

Batting first, Desert Vipers posted 182 for 4 in 20 overs. Openers Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) provided a brisk start with 34 runs in the first three overs before Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed both in his second over. Curran then steadied the innings, reaching his half-century off 39 balls and partnering with Max Holden (41 off 32) for 89 runs off 64 balls. Dan Lawrence added 23 off 15 in a late flourish with Curran, pushing the total to a challenging score on a pitch that offered some assistance to bowlers.

MI Emirates struggled in their chase, collapsing to 136 all out in 18.3 overs. Naseem struck early, removing openers Andre Fletcher (10 off 11) and Tom Banton (7 off 6), leaving the team at 46 for 3 after six overs. Muhammad Waseem...