The stage is set for an interesting finale Desert vipers face MI Emirates in the year ILT20 2025-26 The final will be held on Sunday, January 4 at the Dubai International Stadium.
For the Desert Vipers, this event represents a golden opportunity to win their first ILT20 title after a dominant campaign. Meanwhile, MI Emirates are chasing their second title, relying on their big-match pedigree and late-season momentum to spoil the Vipers party.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Head-to-head record in ILT20
The competition between the two finalists was evenly matched, but the Desert Vipers have a slim edge. In their previous nine meetings, Vipers MI beat Emirates 5-4, including a 45-run win in Qualifier 1 on December 30.
That match was defined by Andries Gous’s sensational unbeaten 120, which dismantled the MI Emirates bowling attack and highlighted the depth of the Vipers’ batting. However, MI Emirates quickly responded to this setback and destroyed Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 with Kieron Pollard’s all-round performance.
Desert Vipers: A Review of Sequence, Balance, and History
Under Sam Curran, the 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 a valuable rest before the finals.
The Vipers’ batting is led by Phil Salt, who tops the team’s run charts with 255 runs. His aggressive starts often set the tone for controlling finishes. In the bowling department, Ajay Kumar was the standout performer, scoring 16 wickets and batting consistently through the middle. The attack was boosted by the presence of Nasim Shah, whose pace and movement made him a constant threat.
Despite their impressive run, memories of last season’s final defeat still linger.
MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard’s experience spurs title loss
MI Emirates comes to the final with a very different journey. Their season got off to an uneventful start, with just two wins from their first five matches. However, the side found a rhythm at the perfect time and won five in a row to reach the playoffs.
Captain Pollard once again proved his worth as a leader in difficult situations. Known for his success in leagues worldwide, Pollard believes that experience in high-pressure matches can be decisive. “We lost players, but we rallied; it’s important to understand what wins” he said after his Qualifier 2 win.
MI Emirates’ strength lies in its ability to accept setbacks and respond with authority. Although they stumbled against the Vipers in Qualifier 1, their insistent rebounding showed the depth and resilience that makes them a dangerous opponent in the finals.
Groups
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, Vriity Dawoodzai 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, Arabic Gul Momand, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Zahoor Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Nosthush Kenjige, Nosthush Kenjige Dhillon, Dan Mousley, Kadeem Alleyne, Chris Woakes, Sunny Patel, Ackeem Auguste, Naveen-ul-Haq, Jordan Thompson, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin
Stream 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 Sea: Rush Sports
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Geo Super (TV); Tamasha, Myco, Tapmad (Digital)
- MENA: Cricbuzz on STARZPLAY and Etisalat
- Sri Lanka: Dialogue
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports
- Rest of the World: ILT20 Official (YouTube), Sports Hub
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