Pakistan bowlers star as Desert Vipers grab their maiden ILT20 title

Pakistan bowlers Naseem Shah and Usman Tariq ran riot against the MI Emirates batting order after Sam Curran’s 74-run knock helped set a daunting target of 187. Naseem, who hit the right notes when it mattered most after a dull start to the tournament, drew first blood by dismissing Andre Fletcher. He then followed it up with Tom Banton’s wicket in his next over, leaving the Emirates struggling at 40/2 inside the powerplay.

Pakistan bowlers kept Emirates at bay

Soon, Usman joined the party and got his first scalp of the day. Ever since his arrival as the replacement for Noor Ahmed, the Pakistan spinner has become the X-factor for the Vipers.

Naseem finished with 3 for 18, while Usman bagged another to take 2 for 20 in four overs.

“There is a special feeling playing in a final in front of a full house. The boys deserved this happiness. Credit to everyone for brilliant performances in bowling and batting. Our combination was really good. We had options both in batting and bowling,” Naseem Shah said after the game.

Fakhar failed, Curran turns the table

Fakhar Zaman, who opened for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, gave the team a good start before slowing down and eventually losing his wicket after making 20 off 15 balls. Luckily for his team, Max Holden and captain Curran saved the day.

The Vipers made it to the final in the last two seasons as well; however, they fell short of the title each time. Speaking after the game, the Vipers’ captain, Curran, said he was nervous about losing a third consecutive final.

“Feels really special. I guess I was nervous coming in today, obviously two finals before, and everyone was thinking, ‘What if we lose this one? Three in a row?’”

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https://www.ipl.com/cricket/news/usman-tariq-doesnt-think-he-is-throwing-the-ball-amid-chucking-allegations/