Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Sam Curran produced a definitive captain’s performance to lead the Desert Vipers to their maiden DP World ILT20 title, after a 46-run victory over MI Emirates in the Season 4 final at the Dubai International Stadium.
Curran, standing in for the injured Lockie Ferguson, struck an unbeaten 74 from 51 deliveries to anchor the Vipers’ total of 182 for four. His exploits earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards, having finished the campaign as the leading run-scorer with 397 runs.
Throughout the season, the England all-rounder also contributed seven wickets and provided vital leadership during Ferguson’s absence. This was the second consecutive season that Curran stepped up and delivered, his consistency a key factor in the Vipers finally getting their hands on the trophy after missing out in two previous finals.
MI Emirates won the toss and elected to field, a decision that appeared justified when they reduced the Vipers to 36 for two in the opening overs. However, Curran and Max Holden (41) combined for a pivotal 89-run partnership to stabilise the innings. Following Holden’s departure, Dan Lawrence added a brisk 25 in a 57-run stand with the captain, ensuring the Vipers reached a commanding total.
In response, the MI Emirates chase struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Vipers attack. Regular wickets prevented any significant partnerships from forming, with Shakib Al Hasan’s 36 providing the only substantial resistance.
MI Emirates were eventually dismissed for 136 in 18.3 overs. David Payne and Naseem Shah were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets apiece, while Khuzaima Bin Tanveer and Usman Tariq each claimed two to seal the result.
Head coach James Foster lauded Curran’s resilience and big-match temperament. “He is an amazing man – the character he shows time and time again. He has this desire, this fight and this love for and thirst for massive occasions, which is not an easy thing to do,” Foster said.
He also acknowledged the importance of Curran’s leadership: “So often he just puts his hand up, and he has got back into the England side and I am delighted for him. He has been excellent in leading, we have had two phenomenal leaders this season in Lockie and Sam.”
For the Vipers, the victory marks the culmination of a four-season pursuit of the trophy after falling short in Seasons 1 and 3. “It feels really good, if I am honest, it has been four years in the making. We have been so close two other times, but we kept believing ultimately, and we have been a very consistent side over the four years and to get the victory today means a lot,” Foster added.
Phil Oliver, the Desert Vipers' CEO, described the triumph as a landmark moment for the franchise. “It is an amazing feeling and just look at these scenes with friends, families, all the players, all the staff enjoying this moment together.
“This is what it is all about, and I am so very proud of everyone. It is just a fantastic moment that we all hoped would happen and it was only really right at the end there we thought, ‘we are going to do this’. It is just an amazing feeling, the best you can get in cricket.”
The Desert Vipers franchise is owned by the Glazers, the family behind the Manchester United club, and Avram Glazer was present on the occasion.
