The 2025-26 ILT20 season sets up a blockbuster finale as the two best teams of the tournament, Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, clash in the final in Dubai on Sunday. It is a rematch of Qualifier 1, where the Vipers dominated MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on December 30 to book a direct ticket to the final. That win allowed the Vipers a valuable four-day break, while MI Emirates had to fight their way back by defeating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 at Sharjah on January 2.
MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard had earlier warned that their five-match winning streak could place them in “dangerous territory.” That concern briefly played out against the Vipers, but Pollard’s side responded impressively under pressure. Against ADKR, Pollard’s leadership stood out as much as his power-hitting. He boldly opened the bowling with two spinners and gave Afghanistan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar attacking fields, including slip and short-leg positions. Ghazanfar rewarded that trust with three crucial wickets, while Arab Gul, though wicketless, applied relentless pressure.
Pollard also showed confidence in local talent by bringing in UAE left-arm seamer Muhammad Rohid ahead of the more experienced Fazalhaq Farooqi. Rohid struck with his very first ball, underlining Pollard’s tactical sharpness. At 38, Pollard remains one of the most destructive batters in the league, with only Rahmanullah Gurbaz hitting more sixes than his 15 this season. With Nicholas Pooran leaving to join MI Cape Town in the SA20, Pollard has once again become the heartbeat of MI Emirates.
Sam Curran Leads Desert Vipers’ Charge for a Maiden Title
For Desert Vipers, Sam Curran has been the standout figure in a campaign defined by resilience and adaptability. With regular captain Lockie Ferguson sidelined for most of the season due to injury, Curran stepped up and delivered consistently with both bat and ball. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament and has been particularly effective in the powerplay, alongside Pakistan-born quick Khuzaima Tanveer.
Curran’s impact was clear in Qualifier 1, where he smashed an unbeaten 38 off just 12 balls at No.3 to blow MI Emirates away. While he has been slightly expensive at the death with the ball, his evolution as a top-order batter has added a new dimension to the Vipers’ lineup and could bode well for his future, including with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
The Vipers have also been boosted by the return to form of Andries Gous, who smashed an unbeaten 120 off 58 balls earlier in the season after recovering from a calf injury. With Rashid Khan leaving the tournament to captain MI Cape Town, Afghanistan youngsters AM Ghazanfar and Arab Gul have emerged as major threats, troubling batters with their variations on UAE surfaces.
Dubai’s pitch could play a decisive role in the final. A used surface may bring spinners into play, while dew is expected to be a factor in the night game. History also leans in MI Emirates’ favour, with an MI franchise having not lost a men’s or women’s T20 final since 2010. However, momentum, form, and Curran’s big-match temperament give the Vipers genuine belief as they chase their maiden ILT20 title.
As Curran looks to cap a memorable season and Pollard aims to inspire MI Emirates to a second championship, the ILT20 final promises a high-quality contest between leadership, power, and tactical nous on Dubai’s biggest stage.
