The Desert Vipers clinched the ILT20 League title for the first time after defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the grand final played yesterday in Dubai.
After winning the toss, MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard opted to field first. Batting first, the Vipers posted a competitive 182 for 4 in their allotted overs.
Leading from the front, captain Sam Curran played a match-winning knock of 74 not out, while Max Holden chipped in with 41. For MI Emirates, Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two wickets.
In reply, the MI Emirates batting lineup collapsed under pressure, with the Vipers bowlers dismissing them for 136 runs.
David Payne and Naseem Shah were outstanding, claiming three wickets each. For MI Emirates, Shakib Al Hasan was the top scorer with 36 runs.
With this 46-run victory, the Desert Vipers were crowned ILT20 champions for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Sam Curran was named Player of the Final, Player of the Tournament, and also finished as the leading run-scorer of the competition.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka was awarded for the best six in the tournament. He represented the Gulf Giants in this year’s ILT20.