WATCH: Naseem Shah, Kieron Pollard engage in heated verbal spat during ILT20 final

DUBAI: MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard and Desert Vipers pacer Naseem Shah were involved in a heated verbal altercation during the final of the fourth edition of the ILT20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the 11th over when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended, sending the ball straight back toward the pacer. 

The Pakistani pacer picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

Both players moved closer during the spat, with Pollard appearing visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer. 

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

Meanwhile, Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final, thanks to a disciplined bowling display led by Naseem Shah and an unbeaten half-century from skipper Sam Curran.

Batting first, Desert Vipers posted a competitive 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Curran’s exceptional unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, which included eight fours and two sixes. 

Max Holden supported with 41 off 32 deliveries, including two fours and a six, while Fakhar Zaman got off to a decent start with 20 off 15 balls, featuring two fours and a six. 

Dan Lawrence finished strongly, contributing 23 off 15 balls with a four and a six.

MI used eight bowlers in response, with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the attack by claiming 2-33 in his four overs, while Akeal Hosein took one wicket.

In reply, Emirates were bundled out for 136 in 18.3 overs. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with 36 off 27 balls, hitting three boundaries. 

Skipper Pollard added a run-a-ball 28, including two fours, while opener Muhammad Waseem struck a quick 26 off 13 deliveries, featuring three fours and a six.

For the Vipers, Naseem Shah and David Payne starred with the ball, taking three wickets each in their four-over spells. Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq also chipped in with two wickets apiece.

It is pertinent to mention that the Sam Curran-led Desert Vipers featured in their third ILT20 final in four seasons and finally lifted the title for the first time.