Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – ILT20 2025 Match 8 Preview

Date: Monday, 8th December 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Time: 02:30 PM GMT (08:00 PM IST)
Tournament: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025
Match Number: 8th T20
Broadcast Channels: Zee TV, ZEE5, Fancode

Match Preview

The eighth match of the ILT20 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Desert Vipers face off against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams are currently unbeaten in the tournament, making this a crucial clash that could significantly impact the standings.

The Desert Vipers, led by Lockie Ferguson, have been impressive so far, with wins in their first two matches. Key performers such as Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, and Shimron Hetmyer have made significant contributions with the bat, while Noor Ahmad and David Payne have been reliable with the ball. The Vipers' record against the Gulf Giants is particularly strong, having won all four of their previous meetings.

On the other hand, the Gulf Giants, under the captaincy of James Vince, are also in good form. The team has been bolstered by the performances of Pathum Nissanka, who has scored two fifties, and Azmatullah Omarzai, who has been a double threat with both bat and ball. Moeen Ali has also been a consistent presence, offering balance with his all-round contributions.

Head-to-Head

• Desert Vipers: 5 wins
• Gulf Giants: 3 wins

In T20Is, the Vipers hold the edge, but the Giants have been strong in this tournament so far, with a win rate of 60% in their last five matches compared to the Vipers’ 60% as well.

Venue Insights

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a high-scoring venue, with an average first innings score of 153.93 in the last four years. However, teams batting second have enjoyed a 60.6% win rate, indicating that chasing is the preferred strategy here.

The pitch tends to favor both batters and bowlers, with the surface becoming drier and more conducive to spin as the match progresses. The evening dew can also play a role in the second innings, giving the chasing side an extra edge.

Players to Watch

Desert Vipers

• Noor Ahmad: The leg-spinner has taken 4 wickets at 15.00 in two games and is the form bowler for the Vipers.
• Andries Gous: The opener has been the team’s highest run-scorer so far, with 75 runs at 37.5.
• Shimron Hetmyer: A big-hitting middle-order batsman, Hetmyer is a key run-scorer and a threat to the opposition with his aggressive style.

Gulf Giants

• Pathum Nissanka: The Sri Lankan has been in stellar form, scoring 148 runs at 74 in two games, including two fifties.
• Azmatullah Omarzai: The all-rounder has been a double threat, taking 5 wickets at 15.6 and scoring 53 runs at a strike rate of 189.28.
• Moeen Ali: The experienced all-rounder has contributed with both bat and ball, offering crucial support to the Giants.

Squads

Desert Vipers

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

Gulf Giants

• James Vince (c)
• Tom Moores (wk)
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
• Lorcan Tucker (wk)
• Asif Khan
• Sean Dickson
• Meet Bhavsar
• Pathum Nissanka
• Aayan Afzal Khan
• Mark Adair
• Moeen Ali
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Liam Dawson
• Gerhard Erasmus
• Kyle Mayers
• Haider Razzaq
• Fred Klaassen
• Tabraiz Shamsi
• Nuwan Thushara
• Chris Wood
• Muhammad Zuhaib
• Ishtiaq Ahmad

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Gulf Giants
• Match Winner: Desert Vipers
• Top Batter: Shimron Hetmyer (Desert Vipers), Pathum Nissanka (Gulf Giants)
• Top Bowler: Noor Ahmad (Desert Vipers), Azmatullah Omarzai (Gulf Giants)
• Most Sixes: Shimron Hetmyer (Desert Vipers), Azmatullah Omarzai (Gulf Giants)
• Player of the Match: Noor Ahmad (Desert Vipers)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Desert Vipers 150+, Gulf Giants 150+

Conclusion

This match is set to be a high-stakes encounter between two evenly matched sides, both with the potential to clinch the title. While the Desert Vipers have the psychological edge based on their previous meetings and form, the Gulf Giants have the firepower and batting depth to challenge. The toss could prove pivotal, with the decision to chase likely being the more favorable option at this venue.

Fans can look forward to an exciting, high-octane T20 battle under the lights at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Don’t miss out on the action!

Stay tuned for live updates and commentary on ZEE5, Fancode, and Zee TV.
Start time: 02:30 PM GMT | 08:00 PM IST
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