MI Emirates vs DC, Final at Dubai, ILT20, Feb 17 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Thanks to everyone who followed our coverage and for your comments throughout the season. On behalf of the entire team at ESPNcricinfo, this is Rvel Zahid saying goodbye and goodnight. Cheers!

And now Nicholas Pooran walks to the stage to receive the trophy. The players join him as well. The fireworks go off and the party begins!

It's a beautiful trophy, which takes inspiration from UAE's icon and national bird - the falcon and has UAE's most famous landmark -- the Burj Khalifa

What has been heartening to see is local talent making a name for themselves and shining throughout the tournament. The quality of spinners was top-notch, and we can expect the UAE team to become a stronger unit next year, given the immense talent we saw this season

Nicholas Pooran, MI Emirates Captain: This is exactly what we wanted. Mumbai Indians have most trophies and this is a huge achievement. I just believe everyone was on the same agenda, same goal. We were trying to get better. I just felt like everyone contributed this year. Having Bravo and Pollard here; they have won many tournaments, they have a lot of experience, you need them in big moments. Muhammad Waseem has been brilliant, last year, this year, and in international cricket. Really happy he was able to contribute in the final. Really happy for Waqar that he is getting opportunity...

Sam Billings, Dubai Capitals Captain: Bottom of the table and then to play the final, it's an impressive feat. There's always regrets when you lose (chuckles). They played brilliant cricket. When he (Pooran) is in form like that, he is the best. They put us under a lot of pressure. It's one of the best things about playing cricket all around the world. We get to witness different culture; to see Haider Ali go from strength to strength...he lives and breathes cricket, impressive to see (UAE) guys. I love this part of the world and and love the challenges of playing here on different venues.

Sikandar Raza wins the red belt for being the most valuable player. He was outstanding throughout the season and was the vital cog who actually got his team into the playoffs with that last ball six against Desert Vipers

Sikandar Raza: I think it's a reward of a lot of hard work, sacrifice, pain an da lot of criticism. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported me. Suddenly looking back, we were pretty much down and out, and we were back...DC got a lovely culture going on, they have got a beautiful family...playing a final in itself is a huge achievement...I like to be in a position where the captain can bank on me.

Muhammad Waseem bags the best UAE-player award second time in a row, wins the blue belt

Best bowler of the season goes to Waqar Salamkheil who gets white belt.

James Vince wins the leading run-scorer green belt. He amassed 356 runs in this season

Nicholas Pooran, Player of the Match: Truly special to be man of the match in the final. We spoke about having the right energy and attitude. Couldn't have asked for a better start, they (openers) did the hard work, we just finished it off. It's about understanding the situation and batting accordingly.

Nicholas Pooran hit the most sixes (31) in this tournament

Final presentation coming up shortly

Dwayne Bravo (wins 17th T20 title): We need this win, it's a very important win for all of us. Nicholas Pooran deserved it given the leadership he showed in the tournament. Every time you play a tournament, you want to win. It was a very relaxed environment (thanks coaches and support staff)

Kieron Pollard: It means a lot. We have built this team from last year. It was led well by Pooran. Means a lot to myself and the team. We try to build a winning culture. (on catching) It seemed like we were on trampoline, everything bounced out but it will give you guys a good highlights reel. Pooran has done it brilliantly, he continues to grow in stature as a leader and as a player, hope he become the best version of himself.

Trent Boult: Boys delivered tonight, every cricketer dreams of playing finals. I've enjoyed myself, wickets here are always a challenge. Biggest challenge was moving between the venues, my favorite moment would have been playing in front of a good crowd today. Full credit to the bowlers; our spinners played such a significant role and they delivered today.

Robin Singh, Head Coach MI Emirates: Sense of relief, we were looking forward to win this tournament. I think we have lot of players from last year and it made a lot of difference. We have a lot of experienced cricketers. Pooran led exceptionally and instinctively at times; he led the side with such ease. I've been around the UAE players, many of them have got some sort of exposure, this sort of a format, playing with international cricketers makes a huge difference...

Congratulations to MI Emirates and commiserations to Dubai Capitals who end up on the losing side after a brilliant season. The fireworks are now underway! Lights up the Saturday sky in Dubai. The celebrations will continue till the wee hours of the morning! The two teams shake hands

Hosein was superb throughout the tournament and today was no different but MI Emirates won it with the bat. Pooran and Fletcher struck crucial half-centuries and earlier Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera laid the platform for the middle-order to go berserk in the last five. Everything worked like a charm for MI Emirates, particularly with the bat. Once they put 200 on the board, especially in a final, Dubai Capitals were under scoreboard pressure. MI Emirates spinners exploited the spin-friendly conditions brilliantly, and despite those missed catches, they kept Dubai Capitals on a leash. All in all, a comprehensive win for MI Emirates as they add another trophy to their cabinet. They were in firm control throughout the game and were simply too good on the big night for Dubai Capitals, who were playing catch-up for the most part

Anubhab Mukherj: "Congrats to MI, but they are way more OP than other teams in these new leagues. While other teams have 1-2 top tier players, they have a whole bunch (Rabada, Rashid, Jofra, Boult, Curran, Pollard, Pooran, David, Brevis) etc to name a few. Wonder how much is down to scouting and how much it is due to the owner out-muscling others in terms of finances ala Real Madrid." That is a pertinent point; there should be a balance between all squads and also in terms of marquee players' availability

Squad is ready for the pitch invasion

Hb31: "DC badly needed Warner, Gurbaz and JFM here. This is why I am not in favour of players leaving before the playoffs."

Feel like there should be more balance between the squads in these T20 leagues

Asahel: "@Khadim, not that he would mind...his fellow countryman and teammate in this league will win it...its one, two and three to the MI Emirates bowlers"

Khadim: "That drop cost Waqar the leading wicket taker award.."