ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Desert Vipers, the only DP World ILT20 side not owning an Indian Premier League franchise and the only side that has Pakistani players, made history by claiming their first-ever title in the ILT20 by thrashing MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium.
The final triumph marked the end of a near-perfect campaign for the Vipers. The Vipers topped the table in the league phase, dominated the qualifier over MI Emirates with ease, and then outplayed the same rivals in the final.
Pakistani players presented a match-winning performance in the final, taking away the first six wickets of MI Emirates’ total. Naseem Shah led from the front with his outstanding spell, who was accompanied by Usman Tariq and Pakistani-born fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer in taking away quick wickets. Hassan Nawaz also performed a major role in the field by taking two key catches, setting the noose tight on the oppositionSide.
The Vipers had earlier posted a stiff challenge after recovering well from early setbacks. Captain Sam Curran anchored the innings with an unbeaten knock, building important partnerships that pushed the score beyond the reach of MI Emirates.
In response, MI Emirates never set their feet. Having won the toss, their innings unraveled under sustained pressure from the Vipers’ pace attack-lead by the figures of 3 for 18 by Naseem Shah and an economical spell from Tariq, MI were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs.
This 46-run victory was a landmark win for the Desert Vipers, who had been runners-up in two earlier ILT20 finals. Powered by a pro-Pakistani squad strategy and disciplined performances, the Vipers finally lifted the ILT20 trophy and etched their name into the league’s history.
