International League T20 2025 Match 15 Preview: Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals

Date: Sunday, 14th December 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Time: 14:30 GMT

Match Preview

The Desert Vipers, currently sitting at the top of the International League T20 2025 table with five wins from five matches, will look to continue their dominant start to the season when they take on the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Capitals, who are currently fourth on the table with a mixed record of one win and two losses, will aim to bounce back from a recent defeat and challenge the Vipers’ supremacy.

This match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for crucial points in the race to the semi-finals. The Vipers, with a perfect start to the tournament, will be eager to maintain their lead, while the Capitals, buoyed by the form of Rovman Powell and Waqar Salamkheil, will look to spring a surprise.

Team Form

Desert Vipers

• Position: 1st in the points table
• Record: 5 wins from 5 matches
• Top Run Scorer: Sam Curran (156 runs)
• Top Wicket Taker: Khuzaima Tanveer (10 wickets)
• Recent Performance: Defeated Gulf Giants by 8 wickets in their last match.
• Strengths: A balanced squad with explosive batting and a disciplined bowling attack. Key contributors like Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, and Noor Ahmad are in top form.

Dubai Capitals

• Position: 4th in the points table
• Record: 1 win, 2 losses
• Top Run Scorer: Rovman Powell (173 runs)
• Top Wicket Taker: Waqar Salamkheil (10 wickets)
• Recent Performance: Won against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 9 runs in their last game.
• Strengths: Rovman Powell has been a consistent performer, and the Capitals have the firepower to chase down even stiff totals. Waqar Salamkheil's pace and control are vital to their success.

Key Players to Watch

Desert Vipers

• Sam Curran: The Vipers' captain is in fine form with the bat and is a versatile all-rounder.
• Noor Ahmad: The left-arm wrist spinner has been a match-winner in previous encounters, picking up crucial wickets.
• Khuzaima Tanveer: The leading wicket-taker for the Vipers, known for his aggressive and tight bowling.

Dubai Capitals

• Rovman Powell: The Capitals' star batter has been in sublime form and will be key to their chase.
• Waqar Salamkheil: A consistent wicket-taker for the Capitals, especially in the death overs.
• Dasun Shanaka: A high strike-rate batter with the ability to change the game in an over.

Venue Insights

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has historically been a batting-friendly venue, with an average first-innings score of around 155. The track favors spinners in the middle and death overs, and teams batting second have a higher win percentage (60.9%) compared to those batting first.

• Average First Innings Score (2022-2025): 155.93
• Win Percentage (Batting Second): 60.9%
• Spin vs. Pace Performance: Spin bowlers have a slight edge in terms of control and economy.

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: Desert Vipers
• Predicted Winner: Desert Vipers
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Dan Lawrence (Desert Vipers)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals), Noor Ahmad (Desert Vipers)
• Most Sixes: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals)
• Player of the Match: Noor Ahmad (Desert Vipers)
• Team Scores Batting First: Desert Vipers 160+, Dubai Capitals 150+
• Match Handicap: Desert Vipers

Final Verdict

The Desert Vipers are in scintillating form, with a perfect record to their name and a balanced squad that can dominate in all departments. However, the Dubai Capitals are no pushovers and have the firepower to challenge the Vipers, especially if Rovman Powell and Waqar Salamkheil deliver.

The toss will be crucial, as batting first could allow the Vipers to set a daunting total, while the Capitals, if chasing, will need a solid start and a composed middle-order performance to pull off an upset.

With both teams in good form and the venue favoring batting, this promises to be an exciting match to watch.

Predicted Result: Desert Vipers to win by 7-8 runs.
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