Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20

Desert Vipers meet Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the 4th match of the International League T20 2025-26 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, 5 December, with a 6:30 pm local start.

The Vipers’ probable XI features Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer and captain Sam Curran in the batting group, with Noor Ahmad, Khuzaima Tanveer, David Payne and Naseem Shah forming the attack. A total around 160 or more would put pressure on the Knight Riders if they bat first.

Abu Dhabi are built around aggressive hitters. Alex Hales opens, with Brandon McMullen, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone behind him and Sunil Narine in the side as well. George Garton and Olly Stone lead the pace options. If the Vipers’ bowlers take early wickets they could limit the chase, but a good start from Hales and company would test any attack on this surface.

Sharjah has a reputation for high scores, and dew can make later overs harder for the side bowling second. Totals above 165 can be tricky under lights. On balance we lean towards the Knight Riders.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Sharjah Cricket Stadium is generally good for batting in limited-overs games, with a flat surface and fairly short boundaries. Seamers may get some bounce or seam early, but spinners and bowlers with variations take over in the middle overs. Partnerships and a steady scoring rate tend to win games, and chasing sides need to plan for dew or slowing conditions later on.

Weather

The evening is expected to be warm and pleasant at around 26–27°C, with partly cloudy to clear skies, moderate humidity and little chance of rain.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 150–170
• 2nd innings: 140–165

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