ILT20 2025-26 Match 31 Preview: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – December 30, 2025

Match Details

• Teams: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates
• Tournament: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025/26
• Match Type: Qualifier 1
• Date: Tuesday, 30th December 2025
• Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Time: 14:30 GMT | 20:00 IST | 18:30 Local Time
• Live Broadcast: Zee Network
• Live Streaming: ZEE5, FanCode

Current Form

Desert Vipers

The Desert Vipers have had a stellar campaign, securing a place in the finals with 8 wins and 2 losses. Their recent victory over Sharjah Warriorz showcased their balanced approach, with contributions from both bat and ball. Key performers like Max Holden and Sam Curran have been instrumental in their success, while bowlers such as Khuzaima Tanveer, David Payne, and Noor Ahmad have provided crucial breakthroughs.

MI Emirates

MI Emirates, on the other hand, have shown a remarkable turnaround in form. After a slow start with 2 wins and 3 losses, they have gone on a 5-match winning streak, which has propelled them into the knockout stages. Muhammad Waseem has been in scintillating form with the bat, while the Afghan trio of Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Arab Gul have been dominant with the ball.

Players to Watch

Desert Vipers:

• Max Holden – Leading run-scorer of the tournament with 318 runs, including three fifties.
• Sam Curran – Season MVP with 7 wickets and 285 runs.
• Dan Lawrence – All-rounder with 214 runs and 4 wickets at a strike rate of 130.48.

MI Emirates:

• Muhammad Waseem – Top run-scorer for MIE with 293 runs at a strike rate of 131.98.
• Allah Ghazanfar – Key bowler with 11 wickets at an economy of 6.95.
• Arab Gul – Quick wicket-taker with 5 wickets at an average of 15.2.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Desert Vipers: 2 wins
• MI Emirates: 3 wins

MI Emirates have had the edge in recent encounters, with a closely contested game that ended by just 1 run. This match is expected to be another thriller.

Venue Insights – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

• Average 1st Innings Score (2025): 164.23
• Win Percentage by Innings Order:
  • Batting First: 43.4%
  • Batting Second: 56.6%
• Pitch Conditions: Batting-friendly, with dew assisting bowlers in the second innings.
• Expected Toss Decision: MI Emirates likely to bowl first.

Squads

Desert Vipers:

• Captain: Sam Curran
• Wicketkeeper: Andries Gous, Vriitya Aravind
• Key Players: Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Khuzaima Tanveer, Qais Ahmad, Naseem Shah, Wanindu Hasaranga

MI Emirates:

• Captain: Kieron Pollard
• Wicketkeepers: Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran
• Key Players: Muhammad Waseem, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Arab Gul, Chris Woakes, Tajinder Singh

Predicted Playing XI

Desert Vipers:

• Fakhar Zaman
• Andries Gous (wk)
• Max Holden
• Sam Curran (c)
• Dan Lawrence
• Vriitya Aravind
• Hasan Nawaz
• Qais Ahmad
• Khuzaima Tanveer
• Naseem Shah
• Wanindu Hasaranga

MI Emirates:

• Kieron Pollard (c)
• Tom Banton (wk)
• Muhammad Waseem
• Shakib Al Hasan
• Romario Shepherd
• Allah Ghazanfar
• Fazalhaq Farooqi
• Arab Gul
• Jonny Bairstow (wk)
• Tajinder Singh
• Chris Woakes

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: MI Emirates
• Match Winner: MI Emirates
• Top Batsman: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)
• Top Bowler: David Payne (Desert Vipers), Arab Gul (MI Emirates)
• Most Sixes: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates)
• Player of the Match: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)

Key Insights

• The Desert Vipers win approximately 20% of their matches when Max Holden scores over 50.
• Tajinder Singh (MI Emirates) has an impressive 21% boundary rate in domestic innings.
• Tom Bruce (Desert Vipers) only plays 31% dot balls, making him a high-scoring threat.
• The Zayed Cricket Stadium has been a batsman's paradise in 2025, with an average score of 164 for the first innings.

Conclusion

This is a high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash between two evenly matched teams. While the Desert Vipers have a strong batting line-up and a balanced bowling attack, MI Emirates' recent form and explosive batting depth give them a slight edge. The toss could be crucial, with the pitch favoring a second innings chase. With the likes of Muhammad Waseem, Sam Curran, and Kieron Pollard in action, this promises to be a high-octane encounter in Abu Dhabi.
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