The stage is set for an exciting finale Desert Viper face mi emirates In ILT20 2025-26 The final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, January 4.
For the Desert Vipers, the occasion represents a golden opportunity to clinch their maiden ILT20 title after an impressive campaign. Meanwhile, MI Emirates are chasing their second championship, relying on big-match pedigree and late-season momentum to spoil the Vipers’ party.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Head-to-head record in ILT20
The rivalry between the two finalists is evenly fought, but Desert Viper has a slight edge. In the last nine meetings, the Vipers have led MI Emirates 5-4, including an impressive 45-run win in Qualifier 1 on December 30.
That match was defined by Andries Goss’s sensational unbeaten 120, which demolished the MI Emirates bowling attack and underlined the Vipers’ batting depth. However, MI Emirates quickly responded to that setback by demolishing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2, led by a brilliant all-round performance from Kieron Pollard.
Desert Vipers: A Look at Consistency, Balance, and History
Under the leadership of Sam Curran, the Desert Vipers have been the most consistent team of the season. They finished the league stage at the top of the table with eight wins from ten matches, securing direct qualification for Qualifier 1 and valuable rest before the final.
The Vipers’ batting is led by Phil Salt, who leads the team’s run charts with 255 runs. His aggressive starts have often created the atmosphere for big scores. In the bowling department, Ajay Kumar has performed brilliantly, taking 16 wickets and being consistently aggressive in the middle overs. The pace attack is further strengthened by the presence of Naseem Shah, whose raw pace and trickery make them a constant threat.
Despite their impressive performances, memories of last season’s final defeat are still fresh.
MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard’s experience boosts title push
MI Emirates reached the finals with a very different journey behind them. Their season had an uneven start and they could only manage two wins from their first five matches. However, the team regained its momentum at the right time and entered the playoffs by registering five consecutive wins.
Captain Pollard has once again proved his worth as a leader in difficult situations. Pollard, known for his success in leagues around the world, believes experience can be decisive in high-pressure matches. “We have lost players but have united; understanding what matters is winning,” he said after the Qualifier 2 win.
The strength of MI Emirates lies in their ability to withstand setbacks and respond with authority. While they faltered against the Vipers in Qualifier 1, their vigorous counterattack displayed the depth and flexibility that makes them a dangerous opponent in the final.
squads
Desert Viper: Fakhar Zaman, Andries Ghaus (wk), Max Holden, Jason Roy, Sam Curran (c), Hasan Nawaz, Dan Lawrence, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Usman Tariq, Khuzaima Tanvir, Matiullah Khan, Tom Bruce, Zafar Gohar, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmed, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Vrita Arvind, Faisal Khan, Bilal Tahir, tawanda muyeye
Mi Emirates: Muhammad Wasim, Andre Fletcher, Tom Banton (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Kieron Pollard (c), Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar, Arab Gul Momand, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Zahoor Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Nostush Kenjige, Tajinder Dhillon, Dan Mouslay, Kadeem Alleyne, Chris Woakes, Sunny Patel, Akeem Auguste. Naveen-ul-Haq, Jordan Thompson, Mohammad Shafiq, Zain ul Abidin
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
- India: Z Network (&Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai – SD, Zee Cinemalu and on OTT platform Zee 5)
- North America: Sling TV – Willow TV (Sign Up Here)
- Afghanistan: Ariana
- Bangladesh: t sports
- Caribbean: Rush Sports
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Geo Super (TV); Tamasha, Maiko, Tapmad (Digital)
- Mena: Cricbuzz on STARZPLAY and Etisalat
- Sri Lanka: Dialogue
- UK: sky sports
- Rest of the World: ILT20 Official (Youtube), Sports Central
See also: Shimron Hetmyer takes a brilliant catch to dismiss Nicholas Pooran in ILT20 2025-26
