Desert Vipers have been the team to beat in ILT20 2025-26. Five wins from five matches put them top of the table, the latest an eight-wicket victory over Gulf Giants in which they chased 158 with more than three overs left. Sam Curran has made 156 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 126, and Max Holden has added 138 runs, with Dan Lawrence and Fakhar Zaman offering middle-order firepower.
The bowlers have matched the batters. Khuzaima Tanveer has 10 wickets at an economy of 7.26, and Noor Ahmad and David Payne have combined for 15.
Dubai Capitals have won two and lost two. Their latest result was a tight nine-run win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, but neither the batting nor the bowling has clicked in the same match yet. Rovman Powell has been outstanding, and Jordan Cox and Sediqullah Atal have each passed 100 runs in four innings. Waqar Salamkheil has taken 10 wickets in four matches, though at over 10 an over, and Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi have shared eight. Given the Vipers’ form, our preview backs them.