Dominant Victory: Curran Steers Desert Vipers to Their First DP World ILT20 Title

Curran led the Desert Vipers to their maiden DP World ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in a dominant final at the Dubai International Stadium. With a packed crowd witnessing history, the Vipers lifted the prestigious Black Belt trophy and claimed the USD 700,000 prize, while runners-up MI Emirates earned USD 300,000. Curran’s exceptional leadership and match-winning performance were key to the victory, marking a historic milestone for the team and solidifying his reputation as a top T20 performer in the DP World ILT20 tournament.

Curran Stars in Title-Winning Performance

Vipers captain Sam Curran produced a captain’s knock in the final, smashing an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes, to propel his side to a formidable 182/4.

Curran found solid support from Max Holden, who scored 41 off 32 deliveries, and Dan Lawrence, whose late cameo of 23 off 15 balls provided crucial acceleration in the death overs.

Strong Bowling Effort Sets the Platform

Earlier, the Vipers’ bowling attack laid the foundation for victory. Naseem Shah led the charge with a sensational spell of 3/18, while Usman Tariq (2/20) and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) applied consistent pressure.

Later, David Payne ripped through the lower order with 3/42, ensuring MI Emirates were bundled out for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Early Strikes Rock MI Emirates

Chasing 183, MI Emirates suffered early setbacks. Naseem Shah struck twice in the powerplay, removing Andre Fletcher (10 off 11) and Tom Banton (7 off 6). Soon after, Khuzaima Tanveer dismissed Muhammad Waseem (26 off 13), leaving MI Emirates struggling at 46/3 inside six overs.

The responsibility then fell on Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard, who attempted to rebuild the innings.

Middle-Overs Resistance Ends Quickly

Shakib and Pollard added a 50-run partnership in 38 balls, briefly reviving hopes. However, Usman Tariq delivered the decisive breakthrough by dismissing Shakib, shifting the equation to a steep 61 runs required from the final four overs.

Any remaining resistance ended when Naseem Shah removed Pollard for 28 off 27 balls. David Payne then struck three times in the 18th over, dismantling the tail, before Khuzaima Tanveer sealed the title by uprooting Muhammad Rohid’s stumps (3 off 4) with nine balls to spare.

Vipers’ Innings: Calm Start, Explosive Finish

Earlier in the evening, the Vipers began positively as Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) raced to 34/0 in three overs. Momentum shifted in the fourth over when Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed both openers in quick succession.

Curran responded emphatically, striking three consecutive boundaries in the final over of the powerplay, pushing the Vipers to 59/2.

Curran–Holden Partnership Takes Control

Curran then joined forces with Max Holden, rotating strike smartly and targeting loose deliveries. At the halfway mark, the Vipers were 83/2, with the pair completing their 50-run stand in just 39 balls.

Holden played the anchor role while Curran kept the scoreboard ticking. Their 89-run partnership off 64 balls ended in the 15th over when Arab Gul dismissed Holden.

Death-Overs Surge Seals the Deal

Curran continued his dominance, bringing up his half-century off 39 balls in the 17th over. His fourth-wicket stand with Dan Lawrence proved decisive, as the duo smashed 57 runs in 33 balls, lifting the Vipers to a commanding 182/4.

Curran Sweeps Individual Honours

Capping off a dream tournament, Sam Curran finished as:

Red Belt winner (Most Valuable Player)
Green Belt winner (Best Batter)

Curran ended the season with 397 runs, including three half-centuries, along with seven wickets and 10 catches, underlining his all-round dominance.

The White Belt (Best Bowler) was claimed by Waqar Salamkheil of Dubai Capitals, who topped the charts with 18 wickets, while Muhammad Waseem secured the Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) for the fourth consecutive season after scoring 370 runs.

Each belt winner received a USD 15,000 prize.

Brief Scores

Desert Vipers 182/4
(Sam Curran 74*; Max Holden 41; Dan Lawrence 23; Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/33)

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

Desert Vipers won by 46 runs

Conclusion

Desert Vipers’ maiden DP World ILT20 triumph was built on composure, clarity, and all-round excellence, with Sam Curran delivering one of the finest captaincy performances in league history. From batting dominance to ruthless bowling execution, the Vipers left no doubt as they finally converted promise into silverware.