Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20
Match summary
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders won by 1 run: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 181/5 (20 ov), Desert Vipers 180/6 (20 ov). Player of the match: Liam Livingstone.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders face Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in ILT20 2025-26. Read our preview with likely XIs, pitch notes and our pick.
Match details
| Match | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers, 17th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | International League T20 2025-26 |
| Date | 16 Dec 2025 |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Status | Result |
| Result | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders won by 1 run |
| Player of the match | Liam Livingstone |
| Our pick | Desert Vipers ✗ |
| Toss pick | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders host Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the 17th match of ILT20 2025-26, an evening game under lights.
The Knight Riders’ probable XI is full of experience, with Alex Hales, Philip Salt, Liam Livingstone, Sherfane Rutherford and Brandon McMullen in the batting group and Sunil Narine and captain Jason Holder providing all-round control. George Garton and Ajay Kumar are expected to share the new-ball duties.
The Vipers have a deep side of their own. Max Holden, Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence and Shimron Hetmyer lead the batting, with Fakhar Zaman named as the impact substitute. Lockie Ferguson, who is listed as captain in the probable XI, heads an attack that also has Khuzaima Tanveer, Noor Ahmad and David Payne.
A total around 170 is usually competitive here and puts pressure on the chasing team. With the Vipers’ batting and bowling both looking well balanced, our preview selects them.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium usually gives an even contest between bat and ball. Pacers can enjoy some bounce and movement in the first few overs, but the surface settles quickly and becomes good for stroke-play. Batters who spend time in the middle can score freely on the smooth outfield. Spinners do not get dramatic turn but can control the middle overs with tight spells. The wicket is generally reliable, and chasing is often comfortable unless it slows later in the evening.
Conditions should be very favourable at around 24–26 °C, with clear to partly cloudy skies and moderate humidity. Light breezes are expected and the chance of rain is extremely low.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–175 | 181/5 (20 ov) |
| Second innings | 155–170 | 180/6 (20 ov) |
Desert Vipers
The Vipers’ line-up combines top-order power with Sam Curran, Lockie Ferguson and Noor Ahmad in the bowling group, giving them the edge on paper.
Toss pick: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
FAQ
Which teams are playing in the 17th ILT20 match?
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders play Desert Vipers at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Who does our preview favour?
We pick Desert Vipers, based on the balance and depth of their squad.
Does dew matter at Abu Dhabi?
Dew in the second innings can help chasing teams, so the toss decision carries some weight.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Alex Hales
- Philip Saltwk
- Alishan Sharafu
- Liam Livingstone
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Brandon McMullen
- Khary Pierre
- Sunil Narine
- Jason Holderc
- George Garton
- Ajay Kumar
Desert Vipers
- Tom Bruce
- Max Holden
- Sam Curran
- Dan Lawrence
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Hasan Nawaz
- Vriitya Aravindwk
- Lockie Fergusonc
- Khuzaima Tanveer
- Noor Ahmad
- David Payne
- Fakhar Zaman
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers that we covered.