A significant milestone was reached in the DP World ILT20 as the Desert Vipers claimed their first championship title. They triumphed over MI Emirates with a convincing 46-run victory at the Dubai International Stadium, marking the conclusion of Season 4.
In addition to lifting the championship trophy and receiving a prestigious Black Belt, which symbolizes victory for the franchise owner, the Vipers walked away with a winners’ purse of USD 700,000. The runners-up, MI Emirates, earned a substantial prize of USD 300,000 for their performance throughout the season.
The competition showcased a remarkable level of skill and talent, evident in the impressive individual performances that kept the race for awards competitive until the very end. Each of the notable belts awarded during the season, which included a prize of USD 15,000, reflected the depth and excitement of the tournament.
Desert Vipers’ captain, Sam Curran, stood out with his exceptional all-around performance. He not only secured the Red Belt for the Most Valuable Player but also claimed the Green Belt, awarded to the Best Batter of the season. Curran finished Season 4 with a total of 397 runs, including three fifties, alongside seven wickets and ten catches, accumulating an impressive 691 points in the competition.
In a strong finale, Curran’s unbeaten 74 runs against MI Emirates played a crucial role in securing the Vipers’ first title. His key competitors for the Red Belt included Gulf Giants’ Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored 233 runs and took 12 wickets, and MI Emirates’ Tom Banton, who amassed 327 runs with two fifties.
For the batting honors, Curran’s achievement with the Green Belt was substantial, as he led the charts with 397 runs at a strike rate of 135. His 17 sixes were second in the league standings. Close contenders included MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem, who tallied 370 runs, and Max Holden from the Desert Vipers, who scored 359 runs, including three half-centuries.
On the bowling front, Waqar Salamkheil from the Dubai Capitals had a standout season, finishing with 18 wickets and a notable economy rate of 7.66, earning him the White Belt for Best Bowler. This marked Salamkheil’s second White Belt victory after clinching the title in Season 2. He was closely followed by Ajay Kumar from the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, who also finished the season with 18 wickets.
The Blue Belt, awarded to the Best UAE Player, was again claimed by MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem, who scored 370 runs at a strike rate of 132, concluding the season with 470 points. Notably, Khuzaima Tanveer from the Desert Vipers also made his mark with significant contributions, including 17 wickets during the season.
As the tournament concluded, it highlighted not only the Desert Vipers’ celebration of victory but also the immense talent showcased by players across various teams, setting the stage for future seasons in the DP World ILT20.