Sam Curran stars as Desert Vipers win first ILT20 title by beating MI Emirates: 'Was nervous coming in today'

Captain Sam Curran starred with the bat as Desert Vipers won the ILT20 title on Sunday by beating MI Emirates by 46 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. This is Desert Vipers’ first ILT20 trophy win after finishing runners-up in 2023 and 2025.

Batting first in the final, Desert Vipers scored a solid 182/4 as skipper Curran blasted 74 not out in 51 balls, including two sixes. He was well supported by Max Holden, who scored 41, and Dan Lawrence, who added a quick-fire 23.

Fazalhaq Farooqi took two wickets for MI Emirates, while Arab Gul Momand scalped one.

The lack of a big knock from an MI Emirates proved to be decisive as Shakib Al Hasan (36) and captain Kiron Pollard (28) were the highest run getters, but the regular fall of wickets saw the team getting bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs.

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Curran stars as Desert Vipers win ILT20

After winning the maiden ILT20 title, Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran said that the team had to fight off nerves and history to beat MI Emirates in the final.

“Really special. Was nervous coming in today. Obviously two finals and everyone thinking ‘imagine if we lose this one - three in a row’. The team have been amazing, the management, the owners, stuff like that. Going to be a big party tonight,” Sam Curran said.

The moment of glory! 🤩🏆#Final #DVvMIE #DPWorldILT20 #WhereTheWorldPlays #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/YoeYsgjC4b

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 4, 2026

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“Of course there’s nerves, I think that’s a good thing. Things like you don’t know how the pitch is going to play. Obviously Gous pulled up with an injury in the warmups and we got tested there. That just shows the quality of our group and the setup. Nerves were always there. MI are a fantastic team. I think we deserved the trophy in the end. Have been the strongest side throughout. Really pleased. Individual performance really doesn’t matter.”

Curran was happy to win his first trophy as a captain, as he thanked the franchise for their support.

“Today I was sort of thinking ‘imagine we win the trophy, will be my first as captain’ which is really special. Nice to put in a performance. The way the guys batted was amazing and the whole bowling group - Naseem with a few wickets, Usman has been a great addition. Thought we fielded really well as well which we’ve done all season. The setup that the owners and the management have set up has a family feel. You can see all our families down there. Lot of happy faces. They let us enjoy our time off. And when we turn up to the ground, it’s a professional setup. One of my favourite franchises. To give them a trophy is really special.”

The Desert Vipers won a reward of USD 700,000 for winning ILT20, while MI Emirates took home USD 300,000.