MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20 2025-26
Match summary
MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals ILT20 2025-26 preview: playoff stakes, likely XIs, Abu Dhabi pitch and weather, expected scores and our pick.
Match details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals |
|---|---|
| Series | International League T20 2025-26 |
| Date | 27 Dec 2025 |
| Start time | 2:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Dubai Capitals |
| Toss pick | MI Emirates |
Matches in this series
Match preview
MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals meet at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 27 December, in the 2025-26 International League T20, with playoff places in sight.
Kieron Pollard’s MI Emirates are second in the standings and arrive on a four-match winning streak. A win here would confirm their spot in the playoffs. The likely XI features Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran, Pollard and Shakib Al Hasan, with Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar and Fazalhaq Farooqi in the bowling group.
Dubai Capitals sit just behind in third and see the game as a chance to strengthen their position and secure a playoff berth. Mohammad Nabi is expected to captain a side that could include Jordan Cox, James Neesham, David Willey and Mustafizur Rahman.
Both teams have strong batting line-ups, and our preview suggests batting first could carry a slight advantage, with a first-innings score of 165 to 180 expected.
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium surface usually gives bat and ball a balanced contest. Pacers can get some bounce and movement in the first few overs, but the pitch settles quickly and favours strokeplay, helped by a smooth outfield. Spinners do not get dramatic turn but can control the middle overs with tight spells. The wicket is reliable, and teams often feel comfortable chasing unless it slows later in the evening.
Conditions at 6:30 pm local time are expected to be ideal, with temperatures of 23–25 °C, clear skies, light winds and no chance of rain.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 165–180 | – |
| Second innings | 160–175 | – |
Dubai Capitals
A close contest between the second and third-placed sides, with the Capitals’ balanced line-up given a narrow edge.
Toss pick: MI Emirates
FAQ
Who is expected to win MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals?
Our preview narrowly favours Dubai Capitals in what looks an even contest.
What is at stake?
MI Emirates, second in the table, can secure a playoff place with a win, and the third-placed Capitals also want to lock in theirs.
Where is the match played?
At Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 27 December 2025, starting at 6:30 pm local time.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
MI Emirates
- Muhammad Waseem
- Tom Banton
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi
- Nicholas Pooranwk
- Kieron Pollardc
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Romario Shepherd
- Arab Gul Momand
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Zahoor Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Dubai Capitals
- Sediqullah Atal
- Shayan Jahangirwk
- Jordan Cox
- Leus du Plooy
- James Neesham
- Mohammad Nabic
- David Willey
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Haider Ali
- Waqar Salamkheil
- Mustafizur Rahman