MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20 Qualifier 2
Match summary
ILT20 2025-26 Qualifier 2 preview of MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Sharjah: form, key players, pitch, weather and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Qualifier 2 |
|---|---|
| Series | International League T20 2025-26 |
| Date | 2 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 02:30 pm GMT / 06:30 pm local |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | MI Emirates |
| Toss pick | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders |
Matches in this series
Match preview
MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders meet in Qualifier 2 of the ILT20 2025-26 at Sharjah, with a place in the final at stake. The Emirates have a strong-looking top order of Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher and Tom Banton, but frequent changes there have prevented a steady run of scores. Fletcher has struggled for fast starts, while Banton impressed at number three last time.
They won convincingly against Dubai Capitals despite dropping Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow before the knockouts, though that chase was not demanding. With Sharjah slowing over time, Waseem and Fletcher need to fire early, while captain Kieron Pollard and Sanjay Krishnamurthi anchor the middle. Romario Shepherd, Dan Mousley and Shakib Al Hasan extend the batting, and Shakib and AM Ghazanfar should be influential on a sluggish pitch, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shepherd and Zahoor Khan leading the pace.
Abu Dhabi have won one of their two matches at Sharjah. Michael Pepper’s form is a big boost alongside Salt, and Russell and Livingstone must make an impact in the middle overs. Alex Hales has been pushed down the order, which may not suit him. Holder adds depth, and the spin trio of Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla and Livingstone could be decisive.
Sharjah is generally a batting-friendly venue, dry and hard with even bounce, and the short boundaries help produce high scores. Fast bowlers can get some movement early with the new ball, while spinners become more effective as the surface slows through the middle and later stages. Teams that bat smartly and adapt quickly can post competitive to big totals.
The evening should be clear and pleasant at about 22–23 °C, with little or no cloud and no meaningful chance of rain. Humidity is moderate and winds light to moderate.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 170–185 | – |
| Second innings | 165–180 | – |
MI Emirates
MI Emirates have a deep batting order and spin options suited to a slowing Sharjah pitch, though ADKR’s openers are in strong form.
Toss pick: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
FAQ
What does the winner of this match earn?
As a Qualifier 2, it offers the winner a route into the ILT20 final.
Which team is our pick?
MI Emirates, whose depth in batting and spin should suit a Sharjah surface that has slowed over time.
Who should Abu Dhabi rely on?
Michael Pepper is in red-hot form alongside Phil Salt, and Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone and captain Jason Holder add power and depth.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
MI Emirates
- Muhammad Waseem
- Tom Bantonwk
- Dan Mousley
- Kieron Pollardc
- Romario Shepherd
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Zahoor Khan
- Arab Gul Momand
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Philip Salt
- Michael-Kyle Pepperwk
- Alex Hales
- Alishan Sharafu
- Liam Livingstone
- Andre Russell
- Brandon McMullen
- Jason Holderc
- Sunil Narine
- Piyush Chawla
- Ajay Kumar
- Olly Stone
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders that we covered.