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Desert Vipers clinch first-ever DP World ILT20 title with dominant win over MI Emirates

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The Desert Vipers etched their name into DP World ILT20 history on Sunday night, lifting their first-ever league title after a commanding 46-run victory over MI Emirates at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

Led by an outstanding all-round performance from captain Sam Curran, the Vipers posted a competitive 182 for 4 before bowling MI Emirates out for 136 in 18.3 overs to seal the crown emphatically.

Curran starred with an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes, anchoring the innings after early wickets. He found solid support from Max Holden (41) and Dan Lawrence (23) as the Vipers finished strongly in the death overs.

In response, MI Emirates never truly found momentum. The Vipers’ bowlers struck early and often, with Naseem Shah (3/18) setting the tone, while Usman Tariq (2/20) and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) applied the squeeze through the middle overs. David Payne’s late three-wicket burst shut the door on any hopes of a comeback.

The final was preceded by a spectacular pre-match build-up, featuring a dazzling fireworks display and a choreographed drone show that lit up the Dubai skyline, creating a carnival atmosphere befitting the season’s biggest night.

Curran capped off a dream tournament by claiming both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and Green Belt (Best Batter) awards. He finished the season with 397 runs, three half-centuries, seven wickets and 10 catches, underlining his influence throughout the campaign.

MI Emirates showed brief resistance through Shakib Al Hasan (36) and Kieron Pollard (28), but early wickets and mounting required run rates proved too much to overcome.

With the win, the Desert Vipers walked away with the $700,000 winner’s prize and the Black Belt, while MI Emirates earned $300,000 as runners-up.

Speaking after the match, Curran said the title was a reward for consistency:

“We’ve been the most consistent team this season and I think we deserve the trophy. Finals bring nerves, but the group showed real character tonight.”

MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard admitted his side fell short on the night: “We weren’t sharp enough early on. In finals, those small moments make the difference. The Vipers deserved to win.”


With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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