Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates,1st Match,International League T20, 2025,2025-01-11 15:15 GMT

Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates Match Preview

The International League T20 (ILT20) is set to kick off its 2025 season with a thrilling encounter between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates on January 11th. Both teams have assembled a strong set of players, and a closely contested game is anticipated.

Team Analysis

Dubai Capitals

The Dubai Capitals boasts a lineup of experienced bowlers, including Olly Stone, Sikandar Raza, and Obed McCoy. Sam Billings was the highest run scorer for the team in the last season, while Sikandar Raza was the leading wicket-taker. All-rounder Brandon McMullen is the key player for the Dubai Capitals in the upcoming match.

MI Emirates

The MI Emirates bowling attack will be led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheil, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph. Waqar Salamkheil was the highest wicket-taker in the last season, while wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran was the highest run scorer. All-rounder Romario Shepherd is the key strength for MI Emirates.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have not met before in the ILT20 League, making this their first encounter.

Weather and Pitch Report

The temperature is expected to be around 27°C, with hot and sunny conditions. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, with an average first innings score of 160.

Probable Playing XIs

Dubai Capitals

• Joe Burns
• Shai Hope
• Adam Rossington (WK/C)
• Rovman Powell
• Sikandar Raza
• Scott Kuggeleijn
• Brandon McMullen
• Dasun Shanaka
• Olly Stone
• Obed McCoy
• Dushmantha Chameera

MI Emirates

• Muhammad Waseem
• Andre Fletcher
• Nicholas Pooran (WK/C)
• Tom Banton
• Kieron Pollard
• Romario Shepherd
• Jordan Thompson
• Akeal Hosein
• Fazalhaq Farooqi
• Waqar Salamkheil
• Alzarri Joseph

Expert Prediction

A close curtain raiser is on the cards between these two sides. MI Emirates' strength in depth within their batting order is likely to be important, while their bowling looks good all-round. They may well be in a better place to get off to a better start than Dubai Capitals, and backing MI Emirates to win appears the sensible move to make.

Top Tip

MI Emirates to win

Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips

• Captaincy Picks: Sikandar Raza, Nicholas Pooran
• Top Picks: Dasun Shanaka, Romario Shepherd
• Budget Picks: Jordan Thompson, Brandon McMullen

Scores Prediction

Dubai Capitals: 160+
MI Emirates: 180+

We are backing MI Emirates to win!