Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants – ILT20 2025/26 Match 5 Preview

Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Time: 14:30 GMT (08:00 PM IST / 06:30 PM Local)
Match Number: 5
Tournament: ILT20 2025/26

Match Overview

The fifth match of the ILT20 2025/26 season promises to be an intriguing contest as Dubai Capitals take on the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both teams having had contrasting starts to the season, this match is expected to be a tight and competitive affair.

Dubai Capitals began their campaign with a loss to the Desert Vipers, scoring a modest 150/8 and being chased down in 19 overs. However, the Capitals’ top-order struggles have been a concern, and they will be eager to put in a more consistent performance.

On the other hand, the Gulf Giants started strongly, winning their opening match by chasing down a target of 164 with six wickets and 15.6 overs to spare. Pathum Nissanka was instrumental in that victory, scoring a blistering 81 off 42 balls.

Pitch and Venue Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its well-balanced surface, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 150-160, with teams chasing often having a slight edge, particularly in the evening due to the dew factor.

• Average First Innings Score: 153.82 (2022–2025)
• Winning Percentage (Batting First): 40%
• Winning Percentage (Batting Second): 60%
• Average Overs per Wicket: 17.7 (fast bowlers), 20.1 (spin bowlers)

The pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses, making late-order batting and death overs crucial.

Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Dubai Capitals have been inconsistent, with their lone win coming in their fifth game. Gulf Giants, meanwhile, have shown more resilience, with two wins in their last three games.

Head-to-Head (Last 10 Matches)

• Dubai Capitals (DC): 2 wins
• Gulf Giants (GG): 5 wins
• Draw/NR: 3

The Giants have had the upper hand in recent encounters, and their strong batting and all-round performance could be the key once again.

Key Players to Watch

Dubai Capitals

• Rovman Powell – A destructive middle-order hitter with a strike rate of 162.79 in the last ten games.
• Waqar Salamkheil – A wicket-taking all-rounder who can also contribute with the bat.
• Scott Currie – A key spinner with a good economy rate and wicket-taking ability.

Gulf Giants

• Pathum Nissanka – The star of the Giants' opening win with a brilliant 81 off 42 balls.
• Azmatullah Omarzai – A versatile all-rounder who can finish games with the bat and take crucial wickets.
• Moeen Ali – Offers balance with both bat and ball, and his leadership in the middle overs is crucial.

Predicted Playing XI

Dubai Capitals:

1. Jordan Cox
2. Shayan Jahangir
3. Sediqullah Atal
4. Rovman Powell
5. Mohammad Nabi (C)
6. David Willey
7. Gulbadin Naib
8. Haider Ali
9. Waqar Salamkheil
10. Scott Currie
11. Muhammad Jawadullah

Gulf Giants:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
2. Asif Khan
3. Pathum Nissanka
4. Moeen Ali
5. Gerhard Erasmus
6. Azmatullah Omarzai
7. Liam Dawson
8. Matthew Forde
9. Haider Razzaq
10. Tabraiz Shamsi
11. Nuwan Thushara

Match Prediction

Toss Prediction: Gulf Giants
Match Winner Prediction: Gulf Giants
Top Batter (Runs): Pathum Nissanka (Gulf Giants)
Top Bowler (Wickets): Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
Team Batting First Score: 150+
Team Chasing Score: 150+

Broadcast and Live Streaming

• Live TV: Zee Network
• Live Streaming: Zee5 App & Website

The clash between Dubai Capitals and Gulf Giants promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to make their mark in the early stages of the tournament. With the Giants having the edge in form and key players in form, they are slight favorites to come out on top.