International League T20 2025: MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – Match Preview

Date: Sunday, 14th December 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 10:00 AM GMT | 03:30 PM IST | 02:00 PM Local

Match Overview

The International League T20 2025 enters an exciting phase as MI Emirates take on Sharjah Warriorz in a crucial encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. With both teams eager to climb the standings, this match promises high-intensity action from both the batting and bowling departments.

MI Emirates, currently in a mixed form with two wins and two losses from their four matches, will be looking to build on their recent momentum. On the other hand, the struggling Sharjah Warriorz, who have lost all their first three games, will need to produce a much-improved performance to avoid further slide down the table.

Team Form and Key Players

MI Emirates

MI Emirates' form has been inconsistent so far in the tournament, but they have the firepower and depth to turn matches in their favor. Jonny Bairstow has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring 105 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 128.04. His leadership and finishing ability will be crucial for MI Emirates.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jonny Bairstow (WK): MI's leading run-scorer and match-winner.
• Allah Ghazanfar: Has been the team's most consistent bowler with 5 wickets at an economy of 7.02.
• Muhammad Waseem: Explosive middle-order batsman with a strike rate of 142.18.

Sharjah Warriorz

Sharjah Warriorz have struggled to find consistency, but they have the talent to break the losing streak. Tim David has been their most dangerous batsman, scoring 92 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 204.44. Adil Rashid, who has picked up six wickets at an average of 14, will be key for the Warriorz in the bowling department.

Key Players to Watch:

• Tim David: High-octane finisher with a knack for scoring quickly.
• Adil Rashid: Consistent off-spinner with a great record in the tournament.
• Sikandar Raza: Dual threat with bat and ball, contributing valuable runs and wickets.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met five times in the tournament so far, with MI Emirates winning three of those encounters. The head-to-head record is slightly in MI Emirates’ favor, and their recent victory over Sharjah Warriorz will give them a psychological edge.

Venue Insights: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium has been a high-scoring venue in recent years, with the average first-innings score rising from 147.33 in 2023 to 165.29 in 2025. Teams batting second have a better win percentage (56.8%) compared to those batting first (43.2%), indicating that chasing is the preferred strategy here.

Venue Breakdown:

• Wickets per innings: 5.51 (chasing)
• Powerplay wickets: 2.04
• Middle Overs wickets: 2.17
• Death Overs wickets: 2.05
• Bowling Economy (Fast): 8.30
• Bowling Economy (Spin): 7.45

Match Predictions (PrePlay)

• Toss Winner: Sharjah Warriorz
• Match Winner: MI Emirates
• Top Batter Runs Scored:
  • MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (35+ runs)
  • Sharjah Warriorz: Tim David (35+ runs)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken:
  • MI Emirates: Allah Ghazanfar (2+ wickets)
  • Sharjah Warriorz: Adil Rashid (2+ wickets)
• Most Sixes:
  • Kieron Pollard (MI Emirates)
  • Tim David (Sharjah Warriorz)
• Player of the Match: Allah Ghazanfar (MI Emirates)
• Team Scores (Predicted):
  • MI Emirates (Batting First): 170+
  • Sharjah Warriorz (Batting First): 150+

Final Thoughts

This match is a must-watch for cricket fans, with MI Emirates holding a slight edge on paper and at the venue. However, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket means Sharjah Warriorz could still pull off an upset if their batters fire and their bowlers take early wickets. With the toss likely to be crucial, and a high-scoring pitch on offer, the battle between the batting line-ups and the bowlers will be fascinating to watch.

Don’t miss the action at 10:00 AM GMT on Sunday, 14th December 2025.