MI Emirates and Gulf Giants meet at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the 26th match of ILT20 2025-26.
The Emirates have shown adaptability this season, from defending just 137 against Delhi Capitals to a seven-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, in which Fazalhaq Farooqi took four wickets and Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 49. Nicholas Pooran, who previously made a match-defining 58 in a successful chase against the Giants, gives the top order further firepower. To stay on top, they need brisk starts, no middle-overs slowdown and tight bowling in both the powerplay and the death.
The Giants made a strong early statement against the Emirates in match 3, when Pathum Nissanka scored 81 off 42 balls to chase down 164. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai can also swing a game, but consistency has been a problem and they are on a run of four straight defeats. Their batting has been vulnerable to disciplined bowling, and lapses in line and length at the death have let opponents score freely.
Our preview picks MI Emirates, with the Giants needing contributions throughout the order and key breakthroughs from Aayan Khan and Omarzai to compete.