Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20 Qualifier 1

Desert Vipers meet MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 of the 2025-26 International League T20 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday, 30 December.

The Vipers finished the league stage top with eight wins from ten matches. Max Holden has scored 318 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 126.19, with three half-centuries, while Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence have each passed 210 runs and Fakhar Zaman can turn games with quick cameos. Khuzaima Tanveer and David Payne have taken 25 wickets between them, Naseem Shah has eight wickets in six matches at an economy of 7.75, and Curran has seven at 7.53.

MI Emirates finished second with seven wins and three defeats and arrive on five straight victories. Muhammad Waseem has scored 293 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 132 and an average of 33, with Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard playing key roles. Allah Ghazanfar has 11 wickets at an economy of 6.95, and Fazalhaq Farooqi and Zahoor Khan have combined for 19.

Dew could help the chasing side later in the evening, and execution at the death with bat and ball may decide the qualifier.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium surface generally offers a balanced contest. Pacers often find some bounce and movement early, but the pitch settles quickly and favours strokeplay, with a smooth outfield rewarding good shots. Spinners do not get dramatic turn but can control the middle overs. Its start can be a little slow, bringing cutters and variations into play, and a total above 170 batting first can put real pressure on a chasing side.

Weather

A warm, mostly clear evening is expected at around 6:30 pm local time, with temperatures near 25–26 °C, clear to lightly cloudy skies, no rain and light to moderate winds.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 155–175
• 2nd innings: 150–170

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