The new champion of the International League T20 (ILT20) has been crowned. On the night of January 4, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium, Sam Curran's Desert Vipers defeated MI Emirates by a comprehensive margin of 46 runs in the final, creating history.
Sports News: History was made at the Dubai International Stadium on January 4, 2025, in the final of the ILT20 (International League T20). The Desert Vipers, captained by Sam Curran, won their first ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs. This match was not only special for the Vipers but also brought the first final defeat in 16 years for Mumbai Indians.
Thrilling Final Match
The Desert Vipers won the toss and elected to bat first. The start was steady, but the arrival of captain Sam Curran at the crease completely changed the complexion of the match. Curran played a fiery innings of 74 runs off 53 balls, remaining unbeaten, with the help of 8 fours and 2 sixes. This is his highest score in his ILT20 career.
Curran and Max Holden (41 runs) forged an 89-run partnership, putting the Vipers in a b position. Finally, a quick innings by Dan Lawrence took the team to a score of 182. The Vipers lost 4 wickets and set a challenging target of 183 for MI with a b finish.
Mumbai's Innings: Fortress Collapses Like a House of Cards
MI Emirates, chasing a target of 183, got off to a very poor start. Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah struck two early blows in the powerplay, putting the Mumbai innings in trouble. Shakib Al Hasan and Kieron Pollard then tried to stabilize the middle order, but tight bowling from Khurram Tanveer and Usman Tariq restricted the scoring rate.
David Payne finished off the Mumbai innings, dismissing the tailenders and restricting them to 136 runs. The entire team was all out in 18.3 overs, and the Desert Vipers registered a fantastic victory by 46 runs.
Sam Curran's Captaincy Secures Victory, Desert Vipers' First ILT20 Title
Captain Sam Curran's performance has been a significant achievement in his career. His aggressive yet controlled game led the team to victory in the final. It was Curran’s unbeaten innings that kept the pressure on the Vipers and prevented MI’s experienced players from gaining any momentum.
The Desert Vipers, who had lost in the final in the past two seasons, defeated MI this time to win their first ILT20 trophy. This victory will be a confidence booster for them, and the team has proven that they are now among the leading contenders in the league.
