Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, Final

The grand finale of the International League T20 2025-26 pits the Desert Vipers against MI Emirates at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have demonstrated formidable skill and tactical nous throughout the tournament. Desert Vipers have relied on their explosive batting line-up, with consistent power-hitting from the likes of Shaheen Malik and the steady anchor innings from Adil Rizvi. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by medium pacer Riyaz Khan, has excelled in containing opposition runs during the middle overs. Conversely, MI Emirates boast a well-balanced side, combining aggressive stroke-play led by Ritik Sharma with an effective spin duo of Karan Singh and Salman Qureshi, who have taken crucial wickets in key moments. The head-to-head record favors MI Emirates narrowly over the past season, winning four of the six encounters, including a dominant victory in the tournament’s group stage here in Dubai. However, the Desert Vipers have shown a remarkable ability to adapt and win under pressure, particularly excelling in powerplay phases and defending modest targets. Strategically, Desert Vipers may look to leverage early wickets to unsettle MI Emirates' middle order, while MI Emirates will focus on controlling boundaries and building partnerships. Both sides have key match-winners and the ability to swing momentum. Considering pitch familiarity, team balance, and recent form, MI Emirates appear slightly favored but Desert Vipers' explosive potential can never be discounted. This promises to be a closely fought clash with fine margins deciding the champion.

Desert Vipers: 47%, MI Emirates: 53%

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers a balanced wicket, allowing both bat and ball to be effective. If Desert Vipers bat first, expect them to post a competitive total of around 165-175 runs, leveraging their power hitters who thrive on exploiting the shorter boundaries in Dubai. Their aggressive approach in the death overs often yields crucial runs, making anything above 160 a challenge for opponents. Alternatively, if MI Emirates get to bat first, their tolerance for building innings and utilization of experienced middle-order batsmen could see them reach a similar range, approximately 160-170. Their ability to rotate strike and capitalize on scoring opportunities through a mix of spin and pace makes chasing on this pitch interesting. Given the restriction on dew and favorable batting conditions under lights, both teams can bat confidently, putting up totals in the mid-160s to mid-170s bracket to contend effectively.

The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced nature, offering true bounce and consistent pace, aided by good outfield speed. Historically, the average first-innings score at this venue in T20 matches hovers around 165 runs. The ground favors batsmen who can skillfully maneuver spin and pace, as the wicket slows slightly during the second innings, making chasing a moderate challenge with a win percentage of approximately 48% for chasing teams. Weather during the evening match is expected to be clear with temperatures around 24°C, and minimal wind interference, creating an ideal setting for day-night T20 cricket. Within these two teams, Desert Vipers' Riyaz Khan holds the best bowling figures on this ground with a remarkable 4/22, while for batting, MI Emirates’ Ritik Sharma boasts the highest score of 89* in a head-to-head match here. These performances highlight their potential impact in the final.

Matches Played	6
Desert Vipers Wins	2
MI Emirates Wins	4

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches Record
Desert Vipers	W, L, W, W, L
MI Emirates	W, W, L, W, W

Shaheen Malik: The Desert Vipers’ leading run-scorer recently struck consecutive half-centuries, showing finesse and power against both pace and spin.

Adil Rizvi: Known for his calm approach, Rizvi consistently builds innings and anchors the batting in crucial encounters.

Riyaz Khan: Their strike bowler, Riyaz has taken pivotal wickets in powerplays and death overs, maintaining tight economy rates this season.

Ritik Sharma: MI Emirates’ top-order batsman, Ritik has impressed with his aggressive strokeplay and ability to accelerate in the final overs.

Karan Singh: A crafty spinner, Karan has been instrumental in breaking partnerships and controlling run flow in middle overs.

Salman Qureshi: The young all-rounder has contributed valuable runs lower down the order while maintaining key wickets as a bowler.