In a spectacular finale at the Dubai International Stadium, Desert Vipers etched their name into the history books by winning their maiden International League T20 (ILT20) championship. The Vipers secured the Season 4 title with a commanding 46-run victory over MI Emirates on Sunday night, capping off a dominant campaign.
A Historic Win and Lucrative Rewards
The triumph was monumental for the Desert Vipers franchise. They not only lifted the coveted ILT20 trophy for the first time but also earned the tournament's distinctive Black Belt for their owners. The financial reward was significant, with the champions taking home a winners' purse of $700,000. The runners-up, MI Emirates, were awarded $300,000 for their efforts in reaching the summit clash.
Sam Curran's All-Round Dominance Seals Individual Honours
As is tradition in the ILT20, individual excellence was recognized with special 'belt' awards, each carrying a prize of $15,000. The night belonged to Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who achieved a remarkable double. Curran was awarded both the Red Belt for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Green Belt for the Best Batter of the season.
His campaign was nothing short of stellar. Curran amassed 397 runs, which included three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 135. He also contributed with seven wickets and ten catches in the field. His total of 691 MVP points was the highest in the competition. He saved his best for the final, playing a match-defining unbeaten knock of 74 runs to set up his team's victory. He faced tough competition for the Red Belt from Gulf Giants' Azmatullah Omarzai and MI Emirates' Tom Banton.
Other Key Award Winners of ILT20 Season 4
The battle for the other individual belts was equally intense. The White Belt for the Best Bowler was claimed by Dubai Capitals' left-arm spinner, Waqar Salamkheil. Salamkheil took 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, winning this award for the second time after first claiming it in Season 2. He was closely challenged by bowlers like Ajay Kumar and David Payne.
In a display of remarkable consistency, MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem won the Blue Belt for the Best UAE Player for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season. Waseem scored 370 runs at a strike rate of 132, finishing with 470 points. He held off strong challenges from Khuzaima Tanveer of the Vipers and the Knight Riders' Ajay Kumar, who also had an outstanding tournament with 18 wickets.
The ILT20 Season 4 concluded with a new champion and celebrated the high-level of competitive cricket that has become the league's hallmark, showcasing both international stars and local UAE talent.
