**Desert Vipers Roar to Glory: Sam Curran Stars in Historic ILT20 2025-26 Final Triumph!**

In a thrilling culmination to the DP World ILT20 2025-26 season, the Desert Vipers clinched their maiden title with a commanding 46-run victory over MI Emirates in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 4, 2026.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, MI Emirates faced a formidable Desert Vipers batting lineup. Sam Curran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 39 balls, including a half-century, while Jason Holder contributed 41 runs. The Vipers posted a challenging total of 182 for 4 in 20 overs, with Fazalhaq Farooqi taking 2 wickets for 33 runs for MI Emirates[2][3].

MI Emirates' chase unravelled early. Naseem Shah struck twice in the powerplay, dismissing Andre Fletcher (10 off 11) and Tom Banton (7 off 6). Khuzaima Tanveer removed Muhammad Waseem (26 off 13), leaving them at 46 for 3 after six overs. Despite a gritty 50-run stand between Shakib Al Hasan (36 off 27) and Kieron Pollard (28 off 27), the required rate proved too steep. Naseem Shah (3/18) and David Payne (3/42) dismantled the lower order, bundling MI Emirates out for 136 in 18.3 overs[2][3].

This victory marked the third time Desert Vipers reached the final, having lost the previous two. Under Curran's leadership—standing in for injured captain Lockie Ferguson—the Vipers dominated the season, losing just two of ten matches and overpowering MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 by 45 runs[1][3][4]. Curran, who also led Oval Invincibles to the Hundred title last August, was instrumental throughout[4].

Prior to the final, Desert Vipers set a high benchmark in Qualifier 1, smashing 233 for 1 with Andries Gous' explosive 120 off 58 and Fakhar Zaman's 69 off 50, while MI Emirates fell short at 188[1]. Individual accolades highlighted the season: Dubai Capitals' Waqar Salamkheil won the Best Bowler award with 18 wickets, and MI Emirates' Muhammad Waseem secured Best UAE Player for the fourth straight year, each earning USD 15,000[2].

The ILT20, hosted by the Emirates Cricket Board since 2023, features six teams in a T20 format with 34 matches across UAE venues, blending international stars and local talent[6]. Fans in India witnessed Curran, Phil Salt (top scorer with 255 runs), and Naseem Shah shine, making this a standout season[1].