136/10 (18.3)
CR : 7.35
182/4 (20.0)
CR : 9.10
Desert Vipers won by 46 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Sam Curran
0/2474(51)
Best UAE Player of the Season (Blue Belt): Muhammad Waseem
MVP of the Season (Red Belt): Sam Curran
Match officials to get their mementos now.
MI Emirates players and staff to collect their runners-up medals now.
Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates Captain): "If I am being honest, things went wrong in the field. There were some crucial bloopers. These are some mistakes that you can't commit in a final. I think a total of around 160 would have been chaseable.
There are no excuses to be made. We should have performed. I still thought that Vipers' score was chasebale, especially on that track.
When Usman Tariq was bowling and I was there batting with Shakib, I thought maybe we could go after him and pick up 18-20 runs in an over but sometimes you plan something, however, it doesn't come off. Vipers batted for the entire 20 overs and had a set batter on the crease, which made the difference.
The associate nation players, international players and the guys from Saudi, Dubai and others, everybody gelled well. Players from smaller cricketing countries across all sides did very well in the tournament."
There are no excuses to be made. We should have performed. I still thought that Vipers' score was chasebale, especially on that track.
When Usman Tariq was bowling and I was there batting with Shakib, I thought maybe we could go after him and pick up 18-20 runs in an over but sometimes you plan something, however, it doesn't come off. Vipers batted for the entire 20 overs and had a set batter on the crease, which made the difference.
The associate nation players, international players and the guys from Saudi, Dubai and others, everybody gelled well. Players from smaller cricketing countries across all sides did very well in the tournament."
Avram Glazer receives the Black Belt as the owner of the champion team.
Time for Desert Vipers squad and staff to receieve their winners medals.
Sam Curran (Desert Vipers Captain): "Yeah, really special. Was a bit nervous coming today, two finals. Everyone is thinking, imagine losing 3 in a row. But, the team has been amazing, it is going to be a good party tonight.
Of course there are nerves. You don't know how the pitch is going to be play. We lost Gous in the warm-ups. So we got tested there, that shows quality of our group. It has been good. Nerves are always there. MI are a fantastic team. I think we deserve the trophy in the end, we have been the stronger side throughout. All good, I guess.
Yeah, really pleased. I guess, mainly, individual performance doesn't matter. I think, today I was thinking, if we win, it would be my first trophy as a captain which is really special. Nice to put in the performance. I thought the way we batted, and the whole bowling group. Usman has been a great addition. We have done well all season.
It is really special. The set up the owners and management has set up, is really special. They let us enjoy in our time off and we turn up to the ground, it is a very professional setup. So, one of my favourite franchises to play in and to give them a trophy is a lot special. Like I said, a lot of Desert Vipers people will celebrate. Been a lot of heartbreak last year. Hopefully, the first trophy of many for us.
It is amazing. It was nice that he (Khuzaima) got the last wicket. It is what the tournament is for. His confidence from last year is huge. I am hopeful, it keeps getting bigger and bigger. Hopefully, we can have a few more guys like Khuzi stand up for us."
Of course there are nerves. You don't know how the pitch is going to be play. We lost Gous in the warm-ups. So we got tested there, that shows quality of our group. It has been good. Nerves are always there. MI are a fantastic team. I think we deserve the trophy in the end, we have been the stronger side throughout. All good, I guess.
Yeah, really pleased. I guess, mainly, individual performance doesn't matter. I think, today I was thinking, if we win, it would be my first trophy as a captain which is really special. Nice to put in the performance. I thought the way we batted, and the whole bowling group. Usman has been a great addition. We have done well all season.
It is really special. The set up the owners and management has set up, is really special. They let us enjoy in our time off and we turn up to the ground, it is a very professional setup. So, one of my favourite franchises to play in and to give them a trophy is a lot special. Like I said, a lot of Desert Vipers people will celebrate. Been a lot of heartbreak last year. Hopefully, the first trophy of many for us.
It is amazing. It was nice that he (Khuzaima) got the last wicket. It is what the tournament is for. His confidence from last year is huge. I am hopeful, it keeps getting bigger and bigger. Hopefully, we can have a few more guys like Khuzi stand up for us."
Sam Curran receives the ILT20 2025-26 trophy and goes onto celebrate with his teammates and management. Fireworks go off at the ring of fire. Avram Glazer, the owner of the Desert Vipers franchise, celebrates with the players and pose with the trophy.
That brings us to the end of our coverage of ILT20 2025-26. 4th season and 4th champion is crowned. Sam Curran leads Desert Vipers to their maiden title after two heartbreaks. It was a one-sided final but MI Emirates can hold their heads high for the effort they have put in throughout the season.
For now, this is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues AkshayaKrishna Polya, Mohammad Anab, and Sachin Yadav. Goodbye and good night.
For now, this is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues AkshayaKrishna Polya, Mohammad Anab, and Sachin Yadav. Goodbye and good night.