ILT20 Final: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Set for High-Stakes Dubai Match

Dubai braces for a familiar showdown as Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, the two most consistent sides of the ILT20 season, return to the same stage for Sunday’s final, a rematch shaped by momentum, tactical clarity and leadership under pressure. 

A Rivalry Renewed On The Biggest Night

The Vipers arrive in Dubai with time on their side. Their emphatic win over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 on December 30 earned them a direct ticket to the final and four full days to reset bodies and minds. MI Emirates, by contrast, had to take the longer road. 

They regrouped quickly after that defeat, travelled to Sharjah, and knocked out Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 on January 2 to book a second crack at the table-toppers.

That bounce-back spoke volumes about Kieron Pollard’s influence. Ahead of the knockouts, the MI Emirates captain had warned that a long winning streak can become “dangerous territory”. When that run ended against the Vipers, Pollard leaned into instinct rather than caution, and it paid off.

Pollard’s Chessboard And Mi Emirates’ Response

Qualifier 2 turned into a masterclass in leadership. Pollard opened with spin, attacked with close catchers, and trusted youth over reputation. Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar received license to hunt wickets, backed by slip, short leg and silly point. Arab Gul did not strike but squeezed relentlessly. The boldest call came with the ball change: UAE left-armer Muhammad Rohid walked in ahead of Fazalhaq Farooqi and struck with his first delivery.

Only Rahmanullah Gurbaz has cleared the ropes more often this season. With Nicholas Pooran departing for the SA20, MI Emirates needed authority in the middle, Pollard supplied it.

Curran’s Imprint On The Vipers’ Surge

Desert Vipers, meanwhile, have found their spine in Sam Curran. Lockie Ferguson’s injury forced a leadership reshuffle early in the season, but Curran seized the moment. He sits second on the tournament run charts and has shaped games in the powerplay alongside Khuzaima Tanveer.

Against MI Emirates in Qualifier 1, Curran’s unbeaten 38 off 12 balls from No.3 blew the contest open. His late-over economy has wavered at times, yet his batting reinvention has underpinned Vipers’ campaign, and offered a glimpse of what lies ahead in IPL 2026.

Curran’s partnership with director of cricket Tom Moody already delivered silverware in The Hundred last year. One final hurdle remains in the desert.

Conditions And The Final Puzzle

Andries Gous added another edge, and after a calf injury sidelined him earlier, the USA wicketkeeper-batter returned in Abu Dhabi with a stunning unbeaten 120, the highest individual score in ILT20 history. One more such innings before he joins the USA squad would tilt the balance heavily.

Spin could yet decide the contest. With Rashid Khan gone, Afghanistan’s next generation has stepped up. Ghazanfar attacks early; Gul locks down the middle. A used Dubai surface may amplify their threat, especially if dew stays away.

History looms too. No MI franchise, men or women, has lost a T20 final since 2010.

Voices From The Camps

“We lost Lockie Ferguson as captain. Big blow for us and I filled in his shoes. I like to see myself as someone for the big moments and tomorrow will be a really good encounter in front of a fantastic crowd,” said Curran.

Pollard countered calmly: “The inspiration we can take is we have done it before [won the ILT20 title]. We understand what needs to happen in finals cricket.”

Form, belief and fine margins now separate the league’s best two sides. Dubai will decide which one finishes the job.