The stage is set for an exciting finale as Desert Vipers face MI Emirates in the ILT20 2025-26 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, January 4.
For the Desert Vipers, the occasion represents a golden opportunity to clinch their maiden ILT20 title after a dominant campaign. MI Emirates, meanwhile, are chasing their second championship, relying on big-match pedigree and late-season momentum to spoil the Vipers’ party.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Head-to-Head Record in ILT20
The rivalry between the two finalists has been evenly contested, but Desert Vipers hold a slender advantage. In nine previous meetings, the Vipers lead MI Emirates 5-4, including a commanding 45-run victory in Qualifier 1 on December 30.
That match was defined by a sensational unbeaten 120 from Andries Gous, which dismantled the MI Emirates bowling attack and underlined the Vipers’ batting depth. However, MI Emirates quickly responded to that setback by demolishing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2, led by a vintage all-round performance from Kieron Pollard.
Desert Vipers: Consistency, Balance and a shot at history
Under the leadership of Sam Curran, Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side of the season. They finished the league stage at the top of the table with eight wins from ten matches, securing direct qualification to Qualifier 1 and valuable rest ahead of the final.
The Vipers’’batting has been spearheaded by Phil Salt, who leads the team’s run charts with 255 runs. His aggressive starts have frequently set the tone for commanding totals. In the bowling department, Ajay Kumar has been the standout performer, claiming 16 wickets and consistently striking in the middle overs. The pace attack has been further strengthened by the presence of Naseem Shah, whose raw speed and movement make him a constant threat.
Despite their impressive run, memories of last season’s final defeat still linger.
MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard’s experience fuels title push
MI Emirates arrive at the final with a very different journey behind them. Their season began unevenly, managing just two wins from their first five matches. However, the side found rhythm at the perfect time, stringing together five consecutive victories to storm into the playoffs.
Captain Pollard has once again proven his value as a leader in crunch situations. Known for his success across leagues worldwide, Pollard believes experience in high-pressure matches could be decisive. “We’ve lost players but rallied; understanding what wins matters,” he stated after their Qualifier 2 triumph.
MI Emirates’ strength lies in their ability to absorb setbacks and respond with authority. While they stumbled against the Vipers in Qualifier 1, their emphatic rebound showcased the depth and resilience that make them dangerous opponents in a final.
Squads
Desert Vipers: Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Max Holden, Jason Roy, Sam Curran(c), Hasan Nawaz, Dan Lawrence, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Usman Tariq, Khuzaima Tanveer, Matiullah Khan, Tom Bruce, Zafar Gohar, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Vriitya Aravind, Faisal Khan, Bilal Tahir, Tawanda Muyeye
MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher, Tom Banton (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kieron Pollard (c), Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar, Arab Gul Momand, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Zahoor Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Nosthush Kenjige, Tajinder Dhillon, Dan Mousley, Kadeem Alleyne, Chris Woakes, Sunny Patel, Ackeem Auguste, Naveen-ul-Haq, Jordan Thompson, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Z Network (&Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai – SD, Zee Cinemalu and on OTT platform Zee 5)
- North America: Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
- Afghanistan: Ariana
- Bangladesh: T Sports
- Caribbean: Rush Sports
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Geo Super (TV); Tamasha, Myco, Tapmad (Digital)
- MENA: Cricbuzz on STARZPLAY and Etisalat
- Sri Lanka: Dialog
- UK: Sky Sports
- Rest of the world: ILT20 Official (YouTube), Sports Central
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