Desert Vipers clinched their first DP World ILT20 title with a 46‑run win over MI Emirates in Dubai, led by Sam Curran’s unbeaten 74 and a dominant bowling display.

DUBAI: The Desert Vipers made history on Sunday night by winning their maiden DP World ILT20 crown following a commanding 46‑run victory against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium. In front of a vibrant home crowd, the Vipers put in a complete performance with bat and ball to lift the prestigious Twenty20 league trophy.

Chasing 183 for victory, MI Emirates were bundled out for 136 in 18.3 overs after the Vipers posted an impressive 182 for 4. Vipers skipper Sam Curran led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 74 off 51 deliveries that featured eight fours and two sixes. His aggressive innings was backed by Max Holden’s 41 and a quickfire 23 from Dan Lawrence, enabling a competitive total. Curran’s remarkable tournament saw him finish as both the Red Belt winner for Most Valuable Player and the Green Belt holder for Best Batter.

The Vipers’ bowlers then took centre stage. Early breakthroughs from Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq and Khuzaima Tanveer put MI Emirates on the back foot, and a three‑wicket haul from David Payne sealed the win with nine balls to spare. MI Emirates’ chase faltered as key wickets fell in clusters, despite resistance from Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard.

The final also featured an electrifying pre‑match spectacle, complete with fireworks and a drone show that set the tone for a night of high drama and celebration. The Vipers took home the USD 700,000 champion prize while MI Emirates earned USD 300,000.

Brief Scores

Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs

Desert Vipers 182/4 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 74 not out, Max Holden 41, Dan Lawrence 23, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 33)

MI Emirates 136 all out in 18.3 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 36, Kieron Pollard 28, Muhammad Waseem 26, Naseem Shah 3 for 18, David Payne 3 for 42, Usman Tariq 2 for 20, Khuzaima Tanveer 2 for 22)

Player of the match: Sam Curran

DP World ILT20 Season 4 belt winners:

Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) – Sam Curran, Desert Vipers

Green Belt (Best Batter) – Sam Curran, Desert Vipers

White Belt (Best Bowler) – Waqar Salamkheil, Dubai Capitals

Blue Belt (Best UAE player) – Muhammad Waseem, MI Emirates