Desert Vipers finally clinched their maiden ILT20 title with a commanding 46-run victory over MI Emirates in Dubai on Sunday. After falling short in two past finals, the Vipers came out all guns blazing to break their final jinx, demolishing MI Emirates quite brutally.
Vipers' captain Sam Curran stood out, firing an unbeaten 74 from 51 deliveries to anchor the Vipers’ innings with dominance. After being asked to bat, Curran’s knock played a vital role in powering the side to 182/4 in 20 overs. He performed when needed, making sure his side had enough runs to defend. Other than Curran, Max Holden struck a brilliant 41 off 32 balls, and Dan Lawrence blazed 23 from 15. All three of them propelled Desert Vipers to a formidable total.
MI Emirates, chasing 183, were on the backfoot from the get-go. From the outset, Desert Vipers’ bowling attack applied relentless pressure, striking at regular intervals to never allow Emirates to make their way back into the game. Naseem Shah was in his element, claiming 3 for 18 in his four overs. The squeeze continued through the middle overs, where Usman Tariq produced a decisive spell, returning with figures of 2 for 20 in four overs. David Payne also delivered a crucial performance, picking up three wickets on his way to figures of 3 for 42. With no consistency, MI Emirates were dismissed for 136 in 18.3 overs, handing Vipers a magnificent win.
.