NEW DELHI: The International League T20 (ILT20) final delivered high drama on Sunday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with emotions running high as a fiery exchange between Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah and MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard took centre stage. The verbal spat, which forced on-field umpires and teammates to intervene, added a combustible edge to an already intense title clash and highlighted just how personal the battle for silverware can become, even in franchise cricket.
The flashpoint came during the 11th over of MI Emirates’ chase. After Pollard solidly defended a sharp delivery back down the pitch, Naseem appeared to direct a few words towards the veteran West Indies all-rounder. Pollard, renowned for his aggressive approach and competitive fire, reacted instantly, charging towards the bowler to voice his displeasure. What followed was a brief but heated confrontation that quickly drew the attention of players from both sides, including Jason Roy, as well as the match officials, who stepped in to defuse the situation before it escalated further.While tempers cooled, Naseem ensured he had the decisive say in cricketing terms. The young fast bowler returned later in the innings to remove Pollard, dismissing him for a valuable 28 and dealing a major blow to MI Emirates’ hopes of mounting a successful chase. WATCH:That breakthrough shifted momentum firmly in Desert Vipers’ favour. Naseem went on to complete an outstanding spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 18, as the Vipers tightened their grip on the contest.His performance proved pivotal as the Desert Vipers surged to a commanding 46-run victory, sealing their maiden ILT20 title in emphatic fashion. The win capped a memorable campaign and underlined the impact of Naseem’s pace and composure under pressure.Reflecting on the triumph after the match, Naseem told the broadcasters: “The pressure of a final is unlike any other. The acknowledgment for this victory belongs to the entire team, both for their batting and their bowling efforts. Our combination worked extremely well; we had excellent options on both fronts, and the team management effectively orchestrated those choices. Each player gave their utmost, and the final result is there for everyone to see.“
