DP World ILT20 Season 4 Final: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Set for Title Showdown

The Dubai International Stadium will be the centre of attention on Sunday as DP World ILT20 Season 4 reaches its grand finale, with the Desert Vipers locking horns with MI Emirates in a high-voltage title clash. While the Vipers are chasing their maiden ILT20 trophy, MI Emirates are aiming to make history by becoming the first franchise to lift the trophy twice.

Addressing the media ahead of the final, Desert Vipers skipper Sam Curran stressed the importance of handling pressure moments as a collective unit. “Finals are about being ready when it matters most and sticking to what works for the team,” Curran said. “Personal milestones don’t matter much—winning games does. The atmosphere, crowd, and pressure are all part of the experience, and that’s exactly what you play cricket for. We’re excited and prepared for the challenge ahead.”

MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his team’s experience on the big stage. “We’ve been in finals before, so we understand what’s required,” Pollard said. “We’re comfortable focusing on the present rather than outside noise. Cricket is straightforward—some days go your way, some don’t—but earning another shot at the title is what matters. Execution and calmness will be key on the biggest night.”

Historically, the two teams have shared a closely fought rivalry. The Desert Vipers hold the highest overall win percentage in ILT20 history, with 29 victories from 46 matches, while MI Emirates are close behind with 27 wins from the same number of games. In their nine head-to-head encounters, the Vipers have emerged victorious five times, including a dominant 45-run win in Qualifier 1, powered by Andries Gous’ unbeaten 120.

Season 4 has been one of dominance for the Desert Vipers. They became the first team to secure a playoff spot after winning their opening six matches and went on to finish the league stage with eight wins from 10 games—a tournament record. This marks their second straight appearance in the ILT20 final.

Curran, the Season 3 Red Belt winner, has once again been instrumental, contributing 323 runs with two half-centuries and taking seven wickets. He has received strong support from Max Holden, who has scored 318 runs, while UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer has impressed with 15 wickets to his name.

Speaking on the rise of UAE talent, Curran said, “You can clearly see the confidence among UAE players this season. They’re backing themselves, delivering under pressure, and making meaningful contributions. Smart recruitment and trust in local talent have made a big difference, especially in tight matches.”

MI Emirates enter the final after a remarkable turnaround. After winning just two of their first five matches, the Season 2 champions found momentum with a five-match winning streak to finish second in the standings. Although they fell to the Vipers in Qualifier 1, they bounced back strongly by defeating the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets in Qualifier 2.

UAE international Muhammad Waseem has been a standout performer for MI Emirates, topping both the Green Belt (Best Batter) and Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) leaderboards with 344 runs. He is on course to claim the Blue Belt for a fourth consecutive season. Tom Banton has also been consistent with 320 runs, while spinner Allah Ghazanfar has led the bowling attack with 15 wickets, ranking third in the White Belt standings.

Pollard praised the growing impact of UAE players, saying, “The progress of UAE cricketers over the last few seasons has been exceptional. When given opportunities, they show hunger and perform under pressure. Rohid came in at the last moment and delivered with two wickets in Qualifier 2. Performances like these are vital not just for franchises, but for the overall development of UAE cricket.”

The champions of DP World ILT20 Season 4 will receive USD 700,000 along with the trophy, while the runners-up will take home USD 300,000. Individual brilliance will also be rewarded through the tournament’s signature belts—Green (Best Batter), White (Best Bowler), Red (Most Valuable Player), and Blue (Best UAE Player)—each accompanied by a USD 15,000 prize.

Fans across India can watch the final live on &Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai (SD), Zee Cinemalu, and streaming platform Zee5