MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – ILT20 2025/26 Match 9 Preview

Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Start Time: 14:30 GMT | 20:00 IST | 18:30 Local Time

Match Overview

MI Emirates and Desert Vipers clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Match 9 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025/26. The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, known for its high-scoring games and dew-affected conditions, will host this crucial contest.

Both teams have shown contrasting forms in the tournament so far. MI Emirates, after a rocky start, have bounced back with a narrow win against the Sharjah Warriorz, while Desert Vipers have been in red-hot form, winning their first two games by tight margins.

Team Form and Key Players

MI Emirates

MI Emirates have demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from a defeat to the Gulf Giants with a four-run victory over the Sharjah Warriorz. Their balance in the middle and lower order, combined with explosive batting at the top, makes them a dangerous side. Jonny Bairstow has been a consistent performer with the bat, while Romario Shepherd and Allah Ghazanfar have provided crucial breakthroughs with the ball.

• Jonny Bairstow (WK): The English wicketkeeper has been aggressive and effective, averaging 48 in two games.
• Romario Shepherd: A dual threat with both bat and ball, Shepherd can change the game in the middle and death overs.
• Allah Ghazanfar: MI Emirates' most economical and effective bowler, picking up three wickets at an average of 13.

Desert Vipers

Desert Vipers have been in fine form, having won both their opening matches of the tournament. Their balanced squad includes explosive batters, experienced middle-order players, and lethal bowlers. Shimron Hetmyer and Dan Lawrence have been instrumental with the bat, while Noor Ahmad has been a standout performer with the ball.

• Noor Ahmad: The Afghan leg-spinner has been in scintillating form, picking up four wickets in two games at an average of 15.
• Shimron Hetmyer: The Jamaican all-rounder is a match-winner with his aggressive batting and effective bowling.
• Andries Gous (WK): The USA wicketkeeper has been a revelation, scoring a half-century in his first game and showing explosive intent.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• MI Emirates: 2 wins
• Desert Vipers: 2 wins
• Last Meeting (2025): MI Emirates by 154 runs

The teams have a tight and competitive record against each other, with both having tasted success in recent clashes.

Venue Insights – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has been a high-scoring venue in recent years. The pitch is expected to be slightly slow for fast bowlers in the early overs but could assist spinners as the game progresses. The dew factor is likely to come into play, making it a crucial toss to win.

• Average 1st Innings Score (2025): 167.89
• Winning Percentage when Batting Second: 57.1%
• Wickets Fallen in Powerplay Overs: 1.84 per match
• Wickets in Death Overs (16-20): 2.11 per match

The trend suggests that teams batting second have a slight edge, especially with the dew factor in play.

Squads

MI Emirates

• Kieron Pollard (c)
• Jonny Bairstow (wk)
• Tom Banton
• Nicholas Pooran (wk)
• Tajinder Singh
• Muhammad Waseem
• Romario Shepherd
• Rashid Khan
• Chris Woakes
• Muhammad Rohid Khan
• Allah Ghazanfar

Desert Vipers

• Sam Curran (c)
• Andries Gous (wk)
• Fakhar Zaman
• Max Holden
• Dan Lawrence
• Shimron Hetmyer
• Hasan Nawaz
• Khuzaima Tanveer
• Qais Ahmad
• Naseem Shah
• Noor Ahmad

Player to Watch

• Andries Gous (DV): The USA wicketkeeper has shown his intent with the bat and could be a big threat in the powerplay.
• Noor Ahmad (DV): The leg-spinner has been the standout bowler for the Vipers and could trouble the MI batting order.
• Jonny Bairstow (MIE): The aggressive opener can accelerate the innings and put pressure on the Vipers’ bowlers.

Match Prediction

• Toss Winner: MI Emirates
• Match Winner: Desert Vipers
• Top Batter: Shimron Hetmyer (DV), Jonny Bairstow (MIE)
• Top Bowler: Noor Ahmad (DV), Allah Ghazanfar (MIE)
• Most Sixes: Romario Shepherd (MIE), Shimron Hetmyer (DV)
• Player of the Match: Noor Ahmad (Desert Vipers)

Final Verdict

While MI Emirates have the firepower to chase down any total, Desert Vipers look more consistent and in form at the moment. The Vipers' balanced attack and explosive batting line-up could give them the edge in this high-stakes encounter. However, the toss and the decision to bat or chase could be the difference-maker in this match.

Prediction: Desert Vipers by 6-8 runs
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