[WATCH] Kieron Pollard, Naseem Shah engage in war of words during ILT20 2025-26 final
The incident occurred after Naseem bowled the last ball of the 11th over of MI Emirates' innings in the ILT20 final.
The ILT20 2025-26 witnessed a tense moment as a fiery exchange of words was seen between Kieron Pollard and Naseem Shah.
Pollard got involved in a heated exchange with Naseem, when the latter, brimming with intensity, bowled 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 spotted initiating the episode. Naseem did not back down and responded before the on-field umpires intervened to diffuse the situation.
The confrontation did not end there, as later in the innings, when Pollard was seen saying something again to Naseem while being at the non-striker's end. But this time, Naseem refrained from responding.
On the very first ball of the 17th over, Naseem dismissed Pollard, who was caught by substitute fielder Sanjay Pahal. Pollard walked back, scoring 28 off 28 balls, including two fours. The dismissal effectively sealed MI Emirates' fate in a one-sided final.
MI Emirates lose by 46 runs
Desert Vipers had set the tone with a strong batting display and posted 182/4, with Sam Curran, the captain, leading the charge with a commanding, unbeaten 74 off 51, striking two sixes and six fours. He held the tempo of innings and added a vital 89 runs for the third wicket with Max Holden, who scored 41 off 32. He then put on 57 runs with Dan Lawrence, who chipped in with a brisk 23 off 15.
MI Emirates never looked comfortable in the chase. Muhammad Waseem’s 26 off 13 balls offered a fleeting spark, while Shakib Al Hasan tried to anchor the innings with a 36-run knock, but it was never going to be enough. The required rate kept climbing, and the lack of sustainable partnerships exposed the gulf between the two sides on the night.
Desert Vipers bowlers ensured that there was no late drama. Naseem and David Payne both picked up three wickets, striking regularly at key moments, while Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq claimed two apiece as MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs, slumping to a 46-run defeat.
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