The Desert Vipers claimed their first DP World ILT20 title with a 46-run win over MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Sam Curran led the way with an unbeaten 74, guiding the Vipers to 182 for four. MI Emirates were then bowled out for 136 with nine balls left.
Curran’s innings came off 51 balls and included eight fours and two sixes. Max Holden added 41 and Dan Lawrence struck 23 late on to lift the total after a steady middle phase.
MI Emirates made early inroads through Fazalhaq Farooqi, who removed Fakhar Zaman and Jason Roy in the powerplay, but Curran wrestled back control. He took 39 balls to reach his half-century and kept the pressure on through the final overs.
In reply, MI Emirates never recovered from a poor start. Naseem Shah dismissed Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton inside the first six overs, while Khuzaima Tanveer removed Muhammad Waseem to leave the chase wobbling at 46 for three.
Shakib Al Hasan tried to steady the innings with 36 from 27 balls, adding a brief stand with Kieron Pollard. But runs were hard to find and the asking rate climbed. Usman Tariq broke the partnership, and any late hope ended when Naseem removed Pollard.
David Payne finished the job with three wickets in the 18th over as MI Emirates folded for 136.
The result earned the Vipers the tournament’s Black Belt and a prize of USD 700,000. MI Emirates took home USD 300,000 as runners-up.
Curran capped the season by winning both the Red Belt for Most Valuable Player and the Green Belt for leading run-scorer. He finished with 397 runs, seven wickets and 10 catches across the tournament.
Among the other season awards, Waqar Salamkheil claimed the White Belt as the top wicket-taker with 18 scalps for Dubai Capitals. MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem collected the Blue Belt for Best UAE Player after scoring 370 runs, his fourth straight season taking the honour.
Brief scores
Desert Vipers 182/4 (Sam Curran 74*, Max Holden 41)
MI Emirates 136 all out (Shakib Al Hasan 36; Naseem Shah 3-18)
Desert Vipers won by 46 runs
