MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – ILT20 2025 Match Preview

Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
Time: 08:00 PM (Abu Dhabi local time) | 02:30 PM GMT
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Format: T20
Event: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025
Match Number: Match 11

Match Overview

The International League T20 returns with a high-stakes clash between the MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Both teams have had contrasting starts to the tournament, with Abu Dhabi showing glimpses of dominance and MI Emirates proving to be a resilient and aggressive side. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the standings and establish dominance in a fiercely competitive league.

Team Form

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi started the tournament with a strong performance but have since faced mixed results, losing two of their first three games. A narrow defeat to the Desert Vipers and a heavy loss to the Dubai Capitals have been their only setbacks so far. However, their explosive batting lineup and world-class all-rounders give them a strong chance of bouncing back.

Key Performers:

• Liam Livingstone – Leading the run charts with 102 runs in three innings at an average of 51.
• Alex Hales – Providing consistent starts and power-hitting.
• Andre Russell – A match-changer with the bat but inconsistent with the ball.
• Ajay Kumar – Emerging as a key bowler, particularly with his left-arm seam.

MI Emirates

MI Emirates have shown a balanced performance, winning one and losing one in their opening fixtures. Their victory over the Sharjah Warriors was a statement, while a tight one-run loss to the Desert Vipers highlighted their ability to compete in high-pressure situations.

Key Performers:

• Kieron Pollard – Leading with the bat and offering crucial support with the ball.
• Romario Shepherd – Aggressive opener with a strike rate of 250.
• Allah Ghazanfar – The standout bowler with 5 wickets in just 10.4 overs.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams are evenly matched in their recent encounters, with 2 wins each in the last five meetings. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, as both sides are eager to gain the upper hand in their rivalry.

Venue Insights – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The Zayed Cricket Stadium has evolved into a batter-friendly venue in recent years, with the average first innings score rising to 167.45 in 2025. Teams batting second have a 55.6% win rate, indicating that chasing is often the better strategy here.

• Batting Average (2025): 167.45
• Bowling Average (Fast Bowlers): 25.96 | Economy: 8.33
• Spin Bowling Average: 31.39 | Economy: 7.44
• Wickets per Innings: 5.58 (chase), 6.44 (first innings)

With the pitch likely to offer some assistance to batters, the team winning the toss is expected to choose batting first.

Player Insights & Stats

• Liam Livingstone (Abu Dhabi) averages a boundary every 5.5 balls in domestic T20s.
• Tom Banton (MI Emirates) has a 12% win rate for MI when he scores over 50.
• Rashid Khan (Abu Dhabi) has maintained an economy under 6.00 in 46% of his games.
• Piyush Chawla (Abu Dhabi) takes 68% of his wickets in the middle overs.
• Kamindu Mendis (MI Emirates) faces a dot ball in just 37% of deliveries, indicating a high-risk, high-reward approach.

Predictions

• Toss Winner: MI Emirates
• Match Winner: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Top Batter: Liam Livingstone (Abu Dhabi), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates)
• Top Bowler: Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi), Allah Ghazanfar (MI Emirates)
• Player of the Match: Jason Holder
• Expected Scores:
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 180+
  • MI Emirates: 160+

Key Matchups to Watch

• Liam Livingstone vs Allah Ghazanfar – A battle between one of the tournament’s top batters and MI’s leading wicket-taker.
• Andre Russell vs Kamindu Mendis – Russell’s all-round threat vs Mendis’ aggressive batting.
• Romario Shepherd vs Piyush Chawla – A clash of explosive openers and experienced spinners.

Final Verdict

This is a crucial match for both teams as they look to climb the ILT20 table. Abu Dhabi's explosive batting and deep bowling options give them the edge, especially at a batting-friendly venue. However, MI Emirates' balanced squad and aggressive approach make them a dangerous opponent. With a toss in their favor, MI Emirates could push hard, but Abu Dhabi’s experience and firepower may prove decisive.

Prediction: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5-6 wickets.
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