Sparks Fly in ILT20 Final: Pollard and Naseem Exchange Words
The ILT20 2025-26 final produced more than just big hits and tight bowling — tempers flared as Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah were involved in a heated on-field exchange. Video footage circulated on social media showed Pollard initiating a confrontation during MI Emirates’ innings and Naseem responding with equal intensity, forcing the on-field umpires to intervene and calm the situation.
Later in the same innings Pollard was seen speaking to Naseem again while at the non-striker’s end, but this time Naseem chose not to engage. The tension boiled over on the first ball of the 17th over when Naseem struck, removing Pollard caught by substitute fielder Sanjay Pahal. Pollard walked back after scoring 28 off 28 balls (including two fours), and that wicket effectively ended MI Emirates’ hopes in what became a one-sided final.
Desert Vipers Build a Match-Winning Total
The Desert Vipers posted a commanding 182 for 4, a total built around an excellent captain’s knock from Sam Curran. Curran remained unbeaten on 74 from 51 balls, striking two sixes and six fours. He anchored two crucial partnerships — an 89-run stand for the third wicket with Max Holden (41 off 32) and a useful late 57-run contribution with Dan Lawrence, who added a brisk 23 off 15.
Key Batting Contributions
- Sam Curran: 74* off 51 — controlled and opportunistic
- Max Holden: 41 off 32 — gave the innings momentum
- Dan Lawrence: 23 off 15 — quick late runs
MI Emirates’ Chase Stutters
Chasing 183, MI Emirates never found consistent momentum. Muhammad Waseem provided a brief spark with 26 off 13, and Shakib Al Hasan tried to steady the chase with 36, but partnerships were lacking and the required rate climbed steadily. The middle and lower order failed to convert starts, and the Desert Vipers’ bowlers kept striking at key moments.
How the Chase Unraveled
- MI Emirates were eventually bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs.
- The final margin was 46 runs in favour of Desert Vipers.
Bowling Figures That Decided the Final
The Vipers’ bowling attack delivered when it mattered most. Naseem Shah and David Payne were the chief wicket-takers, grabbing three wickets each and breaking MI Emirates’ hopes with timely strikes. Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq supported well, chipping in with two wickets apiece.
- Naseem Shah: 3 wickets — including the vital wicket of Pollard
- David Payne: 3 wickets — controlled pressure at the death
- Khuzaima Tanveer: 2 wickets
- Usman Tariq: 2 wickets
Match Takeaways
The final showcased two contrasting performances: a composed, well-paced innings from Desert Vipers’ top order and a clinical bowling display that never let MI Emirates settle. Off the field, the Pollard–Naseem exchange added an extra edge to the spectacle, reminding fans that high-stakes matches can get heated as well as thrilling.
For the Desert Vipers, Curran’s leadership with the bat and a collective bowling performance made the difference. MI Emirates will rue missed partnerships and could take lessons from the pressure moments that turned the match decisively in the Vipers’ favour.