[WATCH] Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah engage in war of words during ILT20 2025-26 final

The ILT20 2025-26 witnessed a tense moment as a fiery altercation took place between Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah.

Pollard became embroiled in a heated argument with Naseem when the latter, brimming with intensity, bowled over the last ball of the 11th over during the MI Emirates innings. In a video shared by ILT20 on their social media platforms, Pollard was seen initiating the episode. Naseem did not back down and reacted before the on-field umpires intervened to diffuse the situation.

MI Emirates loses by 46 runs

Desert Vipers had set the tone with a strong batting display and posted 182/4 with Sam Curranthe captain, who led the charge with an impressive unbeaten 74 off 51, hitting two sixes and six fours. He kept up the pace of the innings, adding a crucial 89 runs for the third wicket with Max Holden, who scored 41 off 32. He then scored 57 runs with Dan Lawrence, who chipped in with a smooth 23 off 15.

MI Emirates never looked comfortable during the chase. Muhammad Waseem’s 26 off 13 balls provided a fleeting spark, while Shakib Al Hasan tried to anchor the innings with a 36-run knock, but it would never be enough. The required rate continued to rise, and the lack of lasting partnerships exposed the rift between the two sides that evening.

Desert vipers bowlers ensured there was no late drama. Naseem and David Payne both took three wickets and batted regularly at key moments, while Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq claimed two each as MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs to slump to a 46-run defeat.