Match Preview: Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – International League T20 2025, Match 7

Date & Time

• Date: Sunday, 7th December 2025
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• Time: 02:30 PM GMT | 08:00 PM IST | 06:30 PM Local Time

Match Overview

The Dubai Capitals will take on the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in what promises to be an electrifying encounter in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025. With both teams having showcased their potential in the tournament so far, this clash could set a high benchmark for the remaining fixtures. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, known for its balanced playing conditions, will host this crucial match under the lights, adding to the anticipation of cricket enthusiasts.

Team Form

Dubai Capitals

The Dubai Capitals have had a mixed start to the tournament. While they struggled in their opening match against the Desert Vipers, they bounced back with a strong performance in their subsequent fixtures. Their batting line-up, led by the explosive Rovman Powell and the experienced Mohammad Nabi, has shown great promise. The bowling department, spearheaded by the wicket-machine Waqar Salamkheil and the economical Scott Currie, has been equally effective in tight situations.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, on the other hand, have had a more consistent start to the season. They opened with a win but were then edged out by the Desert Vipers in their next match. Their top-order, led by Liam Livingstone and Alex Hales, has been in good form, while the bowling attack, featuring the ever-reliable Ajay Kumar and the experienced Sunil Narine, has been a key strength. The team's balanced approach could prove vital in this high-stakes match.

Key Players to Watch

Dubai Capitals

• Rovman Powell: A powerhouse in the middle order, Powell has been in scintillating form with the bat, scoring 210 runs in his last ten games at a strike rate of 162.79.
• Waqar Salamkheil: The Afghan pacer has been a revelation, picking up 23 wickets at an average of 20.7 and a miserly economy of 8.14.
• Scott Currie: The Australian left-arm seamer has been in career-best form, contributing consistently with his sharp line and length.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

• Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder has been the team's leading run-scorer, amassing 86 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 195.45.
• Alex Hales: The opener has been in sublime touch, scoring 85 runs at an average of 42.5.
• Ajay Kumar: The pacy Indian seamer has been a menace with the new ball, picking up four wickets in his first two games at an average of just 10.75.

Head-to-Head

In their recent five meetings, the Dubai Capitals have dominated the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, winning four matches by margins of 26 runs, 85 runs, and by eight and five wickets. This psychological edge could play a crucial role, especially in a tight contest.

Venue Insights – Dubai International Cricket Stadium

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2025): 153.82
• Win Percentage (Batting Second): 60%
• Spin Bowlers: Average 23.78, Economy 7.08
• Fast Bowlers: Average 24.83, Economy 8.41

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a balanced venue, but the data suggests that chasing teams have had the better of it in recent years. This could influence both captains' decisions on the toss.

Team Squads

Dubai Capitals

• Dasun Shanaka (C)
• Toby Albert (WK)
• Jordan Cox (WK)
• Shayan Jahangir (WK)
• Navin Bidaisee
• Rushil Ugarkar
• Sediqullah Atal
• Scott Currie
• Gulbadin Naib
• Mohammad Nabi
• Tymal Mills
• Anudeep Chenthamara
• Muhammad Farooq
• Rovman Powell
• David Willey
• Usman Najeeb
• Mustafizur Rahman
• Farhan Khan
• Haider Ali
• Jimmy Neesham
• Muhammad Jawadullah
• Leus du Plooy
• Waqar Salamkheil

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

Pre-Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Match Winner: Dubai Capitals
• Top Run-Scorer: Sediqullah Atal (DC) & Liam Livingstone (ADKR)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Scott Currie (DC) & Ajay Kumar (ADKR)
• Most Sixes: Rovman Powell (DC) & Liam Livingstone (ADKR)
• Player of the Match: Sediqullah Atal (Dubai Capitals)

Key Insights

• Jordan Cox has a 10% win rate for Dubai Capitals when he scores over 50 runs.
• Alex Hales hits a boundary in 22% of his deliveries in domestic T20s.
• Leus du Plooy faces only 30% dot balls, indicating his ability to rotate the strike.
• Scott Currie takes more than three wickets in 18% of his domestic innings.
• Khary Pierre has an economy of under 6.00 in 39% of his domestic games.
• Waqar Salamkheil captures 70% of his wickets in the middle overs.

Match Strategy

• Dubai Capitals: With a strong batting unit and a disciplined bowling attack, they may aim to post a competitive total if they win the toss.
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Their balanced squad and aggressive batting line-up could see them opting to chase, especially with the venue favoring chasing teams.

Fielding and maintaining composure in the middle overs could be the deciding factors.

Final Verdict

This match is set to be a tight and high-intensity contest between two evenly matched teams. The Dubai Capitals come into the game with a slight edge in recent form and head-to-head record, but the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have the firepower to challenge them. With star players on both sides in good form and the venue offering a fair contest, this is one match that cricket fans won't want to miss.

Get ready for a thrilling T20 battle at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 7th December 2025!
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