ILT20 Final 2025-26: Desert Vipers Defeat MI Emirates to Lift the Maiden Title

Desert Vipers created history by winning their first-ever DP World ILT20 title after defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. A packed crowd witnessed a memorable night as the Vipers delivered a complete team performance in the final.

Batting first, Desert Vipers posted a strong total of 182 for 4. Losing both openers early, Captain Sam Curran led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 74 runs from 51 balls. His innings was calm yet attacking and included eight fours and two sixes. Curran got good support from Max Holden, who scored 41 runs, and Dan Lawrence's quick 23 towards the end. The Vipers recovered well and finished with a total that always looked competitive.

In reply, MI Emirates struggled from the start. Naseem Shah struck early to remove Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, putting pressure on the chase. Khuzaima Tanveer then dismissed Muhammad Waseem to leave MI Emirates three down inside the powerplay. Shakib Al Hasan tried to rebuild the innings with a fighting 36, while Kieron Pollard chipped in with 28. However, the required run rate kept climbing.

Usman Tariq and Naseem Shah bowled tightly in the middle overs, and once Shakib was dismissed, the match slipped away from MI Emirates. David Payne delivered the final blow by taking three wickets in one over. MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Sam Curran capped off a dream season by winning both the Red Belt for Most Valuable Player and the Green Belt for Best Batter. Naseem Shah was outstanding in the final with figures of 3 for 18.

With this victory, Desert Vipers not only lifted their maiden ILT20 trophy but also announced themselves as a dominant force in the league.