ILT20 Final: Desert Vipers and MI Emirates chase history

ILT20 Final: Desert Vipers and MI Emirates Chase History

All roads lead to the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday for the ILT20 Season 4 final, a blockbuster clash between the Desert Vipers and MI Emirates. Both teams are widely considered the strongest of the season.

The Vipers are hunting their maiden title, while MI Emirates aim to become the first team to win the competition twice.

Captain's Corner

• Sam Curran (Desert Vipers): "It's about being ready for the big moments and focusing on doing the right things as a team… Finals are always different – the pressure, the crowd, the occasion – but that's what you play for."
• Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates): "We understand what a final requires because we've been here before… Finals are about composure, and if we execute our plans, we give ourselves every chance on the biggest night."

Season & Historical Context

The finalists have been evenly matched historically. The Desert Vipers hold a slight edge with 29 wins in 46 matches across four seasons, while MI Emirates have 27 from the same number of games. In head-to-head encounters, the Vipers have won five of the last nine meetings, including a 45-run victory in Qualifier 1 powered by Andries Gous' unbeaten 120.

The Vipers dominated Season 4, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs after winning their first six matches. They finished the league stage with a record 8 wins from 10 matches en route to their second consecutive final.

Key Performers

• Desert Vipers:

  • Sam Curran: The captain has led from the front with 323 runs and 7 wickets.
  • Max Holden: Has provided strong support with 318 runs.
  • Khuzaima Tanveer (UAE): Has been impressive with the ball, taking 15 wickets.

• MI Emirates:

  • Muhammad Waseem (UAE): Leads both the Green Belt (most runs) and Blue Belt (best UAE player) standings with 344 runs. He is on track for a fourth consecutive Blue Belt.
  • Tom Banton: Has contributed 320 runs.
  • AM Ghazanfar: The team's standout bowler with 15 wickets, placing him third in the White Belt standings.

Pollard praised the UAE contingent: "What we've seen from the UAE players over the past few seasons has been outstanding… Seeing them step up and perform consistently at this level is encouraging for the growth of UAE cricket."

The Prize

The ILT20 2025-26 champions will win USD $700,000 and the trophy, with the runners-up receiving USD $300,000.