International League T20 2025/26 Match 29 Preview: Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates

Match Details:

• Date: Saturday, 27th December 2025
• Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Start Time: 02:30 PM GMT | 08:00 PM IST | 06:30 PM Local

Match Overview

The International League T20 2025/26 is set for a high-stakes clash between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both teams have already secured their spots in the knockout stages, and this match could be pivotal in determining their seeding for the playoffs.

With a record of three wins out of the last five encounters, MI Emirates are in good form and will be eager to extend their dominance. However, Dubai Capitals, led by Dasun Shanaka, will look to bounce back and make a strong statement on their home ground.

Team Form and Momentum

Dubai Capitals:

Dubai Capitals have been in consistent form, with a strong batting lineup led by Jordan Cox, who is the joint-top run-scorer in the tournament. The team also has a potent bowling attack, highlighted by Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets in nine games) and Mustafizur Rahman. Their recent win against Sharjah Warriorz was a morale booster, and they will look to capitalize on the home advantage at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

MI Emirates:

MI Emirates, captained by Kieron Pollard, have been in impressive form. They secured their knockout qualification with a win in their last game and have eight bowlers who have taken four or more wickets this season. Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem have been the key contributors with the bat, while Arab Gul and Chris Woakes have been the standout bowlers.

Key Players to Watch

Dubai Capitals:

• Jordan Cox: Leading run-scorer (298 runs at 42.57, 128.44 SR)
• Shayan Jahangir: Consistent performer (285 runs at 31.66, 133.80 SR)
• Waqar Salamkheil: Wicket-taking machine (17 wickets at 15.58)

MI Emirates:

• Muhammad Waseem: Key all-rounder (266 runs at 33.25, 131.03 SR)
• Nicholas Pooran: Top run-scorer for the team (267 runs at 44.5)
• Arab Gul: Efficient bowler (4 wickets at 12.25 in 8 overs)

Venue Insights: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The 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 165.68 in 2025. Teams batting second have historically had a better win percentage (55.6%) than those batting first (44.4%).

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): 165.68
• Bowling Averages:
  • Fast Bowlers: 26.21 average, 8.38 economy
  • Spin Bowlers: 30.72 average, 7.41 economy
• Wickets per Over:
  • Powerplay: 2.04 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.69 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.05 wickets

The pitch is expected to offer some assistance to fast bowlers in the initial overs, with the spinners coming into play as the game progresses.

Squads

Dubai Capitals:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Toby Albert (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Shayan Jahangir (wk), Navin Bidaisee, Rushil Ugarkar, Sediqullah Atal, Scott Currie, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Tymal Mills, Anudeep Chenthamara, Muhammad Farooq, Rovman Powell, David Willey, Usman Najeeb, Mustafizur Rahman, Farhan Khan, Haider Ali, Jimmy Neesham, Muhammad Jawadullah, Leus du Plooy, Waqar Salamkheil.

MI Emirates:

Kieron Pollard (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Andre Fletcher (wk), Tom Banton (wk), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ackeem Auguste, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Tajinder Singh, Jordan Thompson, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Nosthush Kenjige, Mohamed Shafeeq, Muhammad Rohid, NaveenulHaq, Zahoor Khan, Arab Gul, Zain Ul Abidin.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Dubai Capitals
• Match Winner: MI Emirates
• Top Batter Runs Scored:
  • Shayan Jahangir (Dubai Capitals)
  • Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken:
  • Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)
  • Arab Gul (MI Emirates)
• Most Sixes:
  • Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals)
  • Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates)
• Player of the Match: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)
• Team Scores Batting First: Dubai Capitals 160+, MI Emirates 160+

Final Verdict

This promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced teams. Dubai Capitals will take confidence from their home advantage and strong batting line-up, while MI Emirates will rely on their consistent all-round performance and momentum from recent games. With both teams vying for a top-two finish, the match is expected to be a closely fought battle, but MI Emirates are slightly favored to edge it.

Catch the action at 02:30 PM GMT on 27th December at Zayed Cricket Stadium!
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