### Desert Vipers Claim Historic First ILT20 Title with Dominant Performance The Desert Vipers have made history by winning their first-ever DP World International League T20 (ILT20) title, defeating MI Emirates by a commanding 46 runs in the final held at the Dubai International Stadium. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Vipers, who had previously finished as runners-up in the last two seasons. The match showcased a stellar performance from captain Sam Curran, who scored an unbeaten 74 runs, leading his team to a total of 182 for 4. The Vipers' bowlers then restricted MI Emirates to just 136 runs, securing the championship and a prize of USD 700,000, while the runners-up received USD 300,000 [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sports/cricket/top-performers-crowned-signature-belts-dp-world-ilt20-season-4][https://www.nation.com.pk/06-jan-2026/desert-vipers-win-maiden-ilt20-title]. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Performers 1. **Match Overview** - The final took place on January 4, 2026, at the Dubai International Stadium. - The Desert Vipers scored 182 runs, while MI Emirates managed only 136 runs in 18.3 overs. 2. **Key Players** - **Sam Curran**: Scored 74 runs off 51 balls, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the Green Belt for Best Batter. - **Naseem Shah**: Led the bowling attack for the Vipers with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 18 runs. - **Max Holden**: Contributed significantly with 41 runs off 32 balls. - **Fazalhaq Farooqi**: Top bowler for MI Emirates with 2 wickets for 33 runs. 3. **Match Highlights** - The Vipers lost their first two wickets early but recovered through a crucial partnership between Curran and Holden. - MI Emirates struggled in their chase, losing key wickets early, which hampered their momentum. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Final Match Statistics**: - **Desert Vipers**: 182/4 in 20 overs - Sam Curran: 74* (51), Max Holden: 41 (32) - **MI Emirates**: 136 all out in 18.3 overs - Naseem Shah: 3/18, David Payne: 3/42 - **Awards**: - **Black Belt (Champions)**: Desert Vipers - **Red Belt (MVP)**: Sam Curran - **Green Belt (Best Batter)**: Sam Curran - **White Belt (Best Bowler)**: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals) - **Blue Belt (Best UAE Player)**: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates) [https://www.livemint.com/focus/desert-vipers-win-maiden-ilt20-title-after-46-run-victory-over-mi-emirates-11767588149129.html][https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/137113/ghazanfar-shakib-and-banton-steer-mi-emirates-into-second-ilt20-final]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Victory for the Desert Vipers The Desert Vipers' triumph in the ILT20 final is a testament to their resilience and determination, having faced disappointment in previous seasons. This victory not only secures their first title but also highlights the exceptional talent within the team, particularly the leadership of Sam Curran. The match was a showcase of high-quality cricket, with both batting and bowling performances contributing to a memorable final. 1. **Historic Achievement**: First ILT20 title for Desert Vipers. 2. **Key Performers**: Sam Curran's leadership and performance were pivotal. 3. **Future Prospects**: The Vipers have established themselves as a formidable team in the league, setting the stage for future successes [https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/desert-vipers-vs-mi-emirates-ilt20-final-sam-curran-13965533.html][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3750433-t20-world-cup-trophy-shines-at-ilt20-final-as-desert-vipers-triumph].