Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs to win maiden ILT20 title
Desert Vipers won their first International League T20 title by beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the season-four final in Dubai on 4 January 2026, led by Sam Curran's unbeaten 74.
Summary
Desert Vipers won their maiden International League T20 (ILT20) title on 4 January 2026, beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the 2025-26 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Captain Sam Curran scored 74 not out off 51 balls in a total of 182 for 4, and MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, with Naseem Shah taking 3 for 18. Curran was Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, finishing as the top run-scorer with 397 runs; the Vipers had lost two previous finals.
Key facts
- Final
- 4 January 2026, Dubai
- Result
- Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs
- Scores
- Vipers 182/4; MI Emirates 136 (18.3 overs)
- Top score
- Sam Curran 74* (51)
- Awards
- Sam Curran — Player of the Match and of the Tournament (397 runs)
- Significance
- Vipers' first title after two lost finals
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which team won the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 title on 4 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Desert Vipers
ESPNcricinfo and BBC: Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final in Dubai to win their first ILT20 title.
Who was named Player of the Tournament in ILT20 2025-26 after finishing as top run-scorer with 397 runs?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sam Curran
ESPNcricinfo and BBC: Sam Curran finished as the top run-scorer with 397 runs and was Player of the Tournament as well as Player of the Match in the final.