ILT20 Final: Desert Vipers and MI Emirates chase history

It could not have been bigger than this as all roads will lead to the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, where the fourth edition of ILT20 will culminate with a blockbuster clash between Desert Vipers take and MI Emirates. Undisputedly, Vipers and MI Emirates are the strongest teams of the season.

The Vipers are in the hunt for their maiden title while MI Emirates will be looking to become the first team to win the competition twice.

"It's about being ready for the big moments and focusing on doing the right things as a team. Individual performances matter less than winning games, and we've done that well this season. Finals are always different - the pressure, the crowd, the occasion - but that's what you play for. We're excited, fully aware of what it demands, and are looking forward to the challenge," Vipers captain Sam Curran said on the eve of the final.

Kieron Pollard, Curran's MI Emirates counterpart, has experience of big matches with Mumbai Indians, who have won IPL five times. The MI teams have done that in South Africa, USA and of course in the UAE. "We understand what a final requires because we've been here before. We're comfortable going in as underdogs, staying focused on the moment rather than the noise.

"Cricket is simple - some days you win, some days the opposition is better - but we've earned another chance, and that's what matters. Finals are about composure, and if we execute our plans, we give ourselves every chance on the biggest night." Pollard said.

Remarkably, the two finalists have been evenly matched throughout the competition's history. The Desert Vipers hold a slight edge with the highest win percentage across all franchises, recording 29 victories in 46 matches over four seasons.

MI Emirates trail closely with 27 wins from the same number of games. In head-to-head encounters, the Vipers have won five of their last nine meetings, including a resounding 45-run triumph in Qualifier 1, built on the back of Andries Gous' unbeaten knock of 120.

The Vipers have dominated Season 4, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs after winning their opening six matches. They finished the league stage with eight wins from 10 matches - a competition record - as they made their way to a second consecutive final.

Last season's Red Belt winner (Season 3), Curran's all-round performances have led the way once again. He has scored 323 runs, including two half-centuries, and claimed seven wickets, playing a central role in the Vipers' progression to the final. He has been well supported by Max Holden, who has amassed 318 runs, including two half-centuries, while UAE's Khuzaima Tanveer has impressed with the ball, scalping 15 wickets.

MI Emirates' campaign has been highlighted by standout performances from UAE international Muhammad Waseem, who currently leads both the Green Belt and Blue Belt standings after a strong season with the bat, amassing 344. The UAE opener is on track to win the Blue Belt for a fourth consecutive time.

He has been supported by Tom Banton, who has 320 runs to his name. With the ball, AM Ghazanfar has been MI Emirates' standout performer, with his 15 wickets placing him third in the White Belt standings.

Sharing his thoughts on the UAE players, Pollard said: "What we've seen from the UAE players over the past few seasons has been outstanding, both for the franchise and for UAE cricket. When you give them opportunities, they show real hunger and deliver when called upon.

"Rohid [Muhammad Rohid] was a last-minute call-up, but he was outstanding to pick up two wickets in Qualifier 2. Seeing them step up and perform consistently at this level is encouraging, not just for us as a team, but for the future and the growth of UAE cricket."

The champions of ILT20 2025-26 will take home USD 700,000 along with the tournament trophy, while the runners-up will receive USD 300,000.