Sam Curran (74) guides Desert Vipers to maiden ILT20 title:Defeated MI Emirates by 46 runs, bowled out for 136 runs in 18.3 overs; Pyne-Naseem bag 3-wickets each

Desert Vipers finally ended their wait for a title as they defeated MI Emirates by 46 runs to win their first-ever ILT20 trophy at Dubai. After suffering heartbreak in two previous finals, the Vipers made it third time lucky and lifted the trophy in style. The victory was built on a strong all-round performance, led by captain Sam Curran, whose calm and composed innings set up the match. The bowlers then stepped up to defend the total and sealed a memorable win for the most consistent team of the season. With this result, the ILT20 continues its trend of producing new champions every season, following earlier winners Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals. Also read: Pro Panja League 3 goes global, to have international athletes: Tournament founders Preeti Jhangiani, Parvinn Dabass speak on arm-wrestling’s future in India Sam Curran anchors the Vipers to a strong total of 182 runs in 20 overs Batting first, Desert Vipers posted an impressive 182 for 4 in their 20 overs. Captain Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 74 off 51 balls, holding the innings together from start to finish. He received good support from Max Holden (41 off 32) and Dan Lawrence (23 off 15). Vipers started quickly through Fakhar Zaman and Jason Roy, but Fazalhaq Farooqi pulled things back for MI Emirates with two quick wickets. Despite that setback, Curran took control of the innings, rotating the strike well and finding boundaries at key moments. The Vipers finished strongly, scoring 46 runs in the last four overs, including a big 18th over that pushed them past the 180-run mark. Pyne-Naseem put the Vipers in complete control against the Emirates MI Emirates never found momentum in their chase of 183. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, making the task harder with every over. Naseem Shah led the bowling attack with an outstanding spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 18 runs. His early strikes put MI Emirates on the back foot. Usman Tariq bowled tightly in the middle overs and finished with 2 for 20, while David Payne claimed 3 for 42, removing three batters in a single over. Also read: Bangladesh to not travel to India for T20 World Cup: BCB writes to ICC seeking relocation of matches, apex body may consider request MI Emirates’ chase falls apart, score 136 runs in 18.3 overs Although Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher showed some early intent, the chase soon lost direction. Waseem was dismissed for a key wicket, followed by Tom Banton and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, leaving MI Emirates struggling at 46 for 3 inside the powerplay. Experienced batters Shakib Al Hasan (36) and Kieron Pollard tried to revive the innings with a steady partnership, but the required run rate kept climbing. Once Shakib and Pollard were dismissed, the remaining batters had little chance. MI Emirates were eventually bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, well short of the target. Lost their final six wickets for just 22 runs, ending their hopes of defending the title. Historic night for Desert Vipers with maiden ILT20 title The final wicket sparked wild celebrations in the Desert Vipers camp as they claimed their maiden ILT20 title. It was a fitting end to a season in which they performed consistently across all matches.