ILT20 2025 Match 4: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers – Match Preview

Match Details

• Date: Friday, 5th December 2025
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• Start Time: 02:30 PM GMT | 08:00 PM IST | 06:30 PM Local

Match Overview

The fourth match of the 2025 edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) promises to be a thrilling encounter between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams have started the tournament with a win, and this clash is set to be a crucial one in the early stages of the competition.

With a rich history in the league and a balanced head-to-head record, this match is expected to be a closely contested affair. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been a neutral yet challenging venue, favoring teams that can adapt well to its conditions.

Current Form

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders made a strong opening statement with a convincing win against the Sharjah Warriorz, which also gave them the best net run rate in the tournament so far. Their batting lineup is led by Liam Livingstone, who has been in scintillating form, and their bowling attack features the experienced Sunil Narine, who has been lethal with the ball in previous seasons.

Desert Vipers

The Desert Vipers have also started with a win, defeating the Dubai Capitals in a nail-biting four-wicket chase. Andries Gous has been the standout performer with the bat, while the bowlers – particularly Noor Ahmad and David Payne – have provided consistent support with the ball. The Vipers' ability to chase under pressure could be a key factor in this match.

Players to Watch

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

• Liam Livingstone – The explosive all-rounder has been a match-winner in the past and is a big threat in the middle overs.
• Sunil Narine – The maestro of the death overs, Narine has the ability to change the course of a match with his yorkers and variations.
• Sherfane Rutherford – A consistent run-scorer, Rutherford has the potential to anchor the innings and accelerate when required.

Desert Vipers

• Andries Gous – A top-order anchor who has been in excellent form, Gous can control the tempo and hit big shots when needed.
• Noor Ahmad – The Afghan leg-spinner is a wicket-taking machine and has the ability to break partnerships at crucial moments.
• David Payne – A reliable medium-pacer with a tight line and excellent economy rate, Payne is a key asset in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 2 wins
• Desert Vipers: 2 wins

The two teams have shared the spoils in their recent five encounters, with the Knight Riders having had the upper hand in the previous edition by taking both fixtures. However, the Vipers have managed to level the playing field in the 2025 edition.

Venue Analysis – Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been a high-scoring venue in recent years, with an average first-innings score of 169.08 in 2025. The pitch is generally good for batting, with some assistance for spinners in the middle and death overs.

• Win Percentage:

  • Batting First: 45.7%
  • Batting Second: 54.3%

• Wickets per Phase:

  • Powerplay: 1.73 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.83 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.11 wickets

The data suggests that teams batting second might have a slight advantage, but both teams will look to capitalize on the batting-friendly surface.

Squads

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

• Jason Holder (c), Unmukt Chand (wk), Phil Salt (wk), Michael Pepper (wk), Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford, Alishan Sharafu, Adnan Idrees, Piyush Chawla, George Garton, Liam Livingstone, Brandon McMullen, Sunil Narine, Khary Pierre, Andre Russell, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ajay Kumar, Ibrar Ahmad, Olly Stone, Mayank Chowdary, Manan Ali

Desert Vipers

• Lockie Ferguson (c), Andries Gous (wk), Vriitya Aravind (wk), Bilal Tahir, Tom Bruce, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Shimron Hetmyer, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Khuzaima Tanveer, Matiullah Khan, Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Qaid Ahmad, Faisal Khan

Match Predictions

• Who will win the toss? Desert Vipers
• Who will win the match? Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Top Batter: Liam Livingstone (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Max Holden (Desert Vipers)
• Top Bowler: Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
• Most Sixes: Liam Livingstone (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
• Player of the Match: Toby Albert (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
• Projected Scores:
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Batting First): 180+
  • Desert Vipers (Batting First): 160+

Final Verdict

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers are two of the most exciting sides in the ILT20, and this match is expected to be a high-octane thriller. With a balanced squad and a strong batting lineup, the Knight Riders may edge out the Vipers, but the Desert Vipers' ability to chase under pressure could make this a nail-biter. Fans can look forward to a competitive and action-packed contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
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