Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz – ILT20 2025 Match Preview

Date: Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Start Time: 14:30 GMT | 20:00 IST | 18:30 Local

Match Overview

The Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriorz are set to lock horns in what promises to be an intriguing clash in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025. With the Giants having tasted early success in the tournament, and the Warriorz currently languishing at the bottom of the table, this match could be a pivotal moment for both teams.

Gulf Giants, despite a thrilling super over loss to the Desert Vipers in their last match, remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. Their top-order firepower and all-round bowling unit make them a formidable opponent. On the other hand, the Sharjah Warriorz have struggled to find their rhythm, having lost both their opening games. However, their explosive batting line-up, led by Tim David, could pose a serious challenge to the Giants.

Team Form

Gulf Giants:

• Recent Performance: The Giants started the tournament strongly, winning their first two games before a narrow defeat in a super over to the Desert Vipers.
• Key Performers:
  • Pathum Nissanka: The star opener has been in sublime form, scoring 204 runs in three matches at an average of 68, with three fifties.
  • Azmatullah Omarzai: The Afghan pacer has been dominant, claiming 9 wickets at an economy of 8.42.
  • Nuwan Thushara: A match-winner in crunch overs, with 4 wickets in 12 overs.

Sharjah Warriorz:

• Recent Performance: The Warriors are winless so far, having lost both their games by narrow margins.
• Key Performers:
  • Tim David: The Australian all-rounder has been explosive, scoring 73 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 235.48, with 7 sixes and 5 fours.
  • Sikandar Raza: The captain has been a consistent performer with the bat, scoring 72 runs in two matches.
  • Adil Rashid: The leg-spinner has been the Warriors' most successful bowler, taking 5 wickets at 12.6.

Head-to-Head

• Last 5 Meetings:
  • Gulf Giants: 3 wins
  • Sharjah Warriorz: 1 win

The Giants have the psychological edge in recent clashes, but the Warriors will be eager to turn the tide in this match.

Venue & Pitch Report

• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• Pitch Conditions: Historically, the pitch has been batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 155.87 in the past four years.
• Weather: Humidity is expected to be around 77%, with dew possibly aiding the chasing side in the later stages.
• Toss Strategy: With the pitch favoring batters, both teams may look to chase, but the toss decision will be crucial.

Key Players to Watch

Gulf Giants:

• Pathum Nissanka – The opener’s ability to accelerate the innings could define the match.
• Azmatullah Omarzai – A match-winning bowler, especially in the death overs.
• Nuwan Thushara – Reliable in the middle and death overs.

Sharjah Warriorz:

• Tim David – The explosive all-rounder has the potential to single-handedly win the game.
• Sikandar Raza – The captain’s composure and leadership will be key.
• Adil Rashid – A consistent wicket-taker in the middle overs.

Squads

Gulf Giants:

• Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Moeen Ali (C), Gerhard Erasmus, Azmatullah Omarzai, TJ Moores (WK), Liam Dawson, Mark Adair, Haider Razzaq, Nuwan Thushara

Sharjah Warriorz:

• Probable Playing XI: Tim Southee (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tim David, Ethan D’Souza, Sikandar Raza, Adil Rashid, Saurabh Netravalkar, Dwaine Pretorius, Junaid Siddique

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Gulf Giants
• Match Winner: Gulf Giants
• Top Batters: Pathum Nissanka (Gulf Giants), Tim David (Sharjah Warriorz)
• Top Bowlers: Azmatullah Omarzai (Gulf Giants), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz)
• Most Sixes: Pathum Nissanka (Gulf Giants), Tim David (Sharjah Warriorz)
• Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (Gulf Giants)

Key Insights

• The Giants win 22% of their matches when Pathum Nissanka scores over 50.
• Tim David has a boundary rate of 21% in domestic T20s.
• Azmatullah Omarzai is a match-winner in high-pressure situations.
• Adil Rashid takes 81% of his wickets in the middle overs.
• The Dubai pitch has a 59.7% win rate for chasing teams.

Final Verdict

This match promises to be a tight contest between two teams with contrasting styles. The Gulf Giants have the momentum and experience, while the Sharjah Warriorz have the firepower to pull off an upset. The toss will be a critical factor, and whoever wins it will likely go on to win the match. However, with Pathum Nissanka in scintillating form and Azmatullah Omarzai in peak rhythm, the Gulf Giants are slight favorites to claim victory.

Prediction: Gulf Giants by 6-8 runs
“`