Desert Vipers finally ended their wait for silverware as they clinched their maiden DP World ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final at a packed Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night.
The victory marked a historic moment for the franchise, which had suffered heartbreak in previous finals.
Led by captain Sam Curran, the Vipers delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball in the title clash of the ILT20 series.
Curran played a captain’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes, to guide his team to a competitive 182 for 4.
He received valuable support from Max Holden (41 off 32) and Dan Lawrence (23 off 15), who provided late momentum in the death overs.
The Vipers started briskly before losing both openers, Fakhar Zaman and Jason Roy, in quick succession. However, Curran absorbed the pressure and rebuilt the innings with maturity.
His 89-run partnership with Holden laid the foundation, while a rapid stand with Lawrence ensured a strong finish, with 46 runs coming in the final four overs.
In reply, MI Emirates never found rhythm in their chase. Naseem Shah struck early, removing Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, while Khuzaima Tanveer dismissed the
dangerous Muhammad Waseem to leave MIE reeling at 46 for 3 inside the powerplay. Despite a brief resistance from Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard, the asking rate continued to climb.
Usman Tariq (2/20) applied the squeeze in the middle overs before David Payne (3/42) ripped through the lower order, picking up three wickets in a decisive spell.
Naseem finished with an outstanding 3 for 18, as MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, sealing a comprehensive win for the Vipers.
Curran capped off a memorable tournament by claiming both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter).
He finished the season with 397 runs, three half-centuries, seven wickets, and 10 catches, underlining his all-round impact.
The victory also highlighted the competitive nature of the league, with the ILT20 now having four different champions in four seasons.
After falling short twice before, Desert Vipers finally broke the jinx, lifting the trophy and pocketing USD 700,000, while runners-up MI Emirates earned USD 300,000.
