Desert Vipers vs. MI Emirates: ILT20 Clash
The Desert Vipers (DV) are set to take on MI Emirates (MIE) in the 24th match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, December 21. The Desert Vipers have already secured a spot in the playoffs with an impressive record of six wins and only one defeat in seven matches, placing them at the top of the points table. Before facing MI Emirates, the Vipers will first go head-to-head against the Sharjah Warriorz on Saturday.
On the other hand, MI Emirates, led by Kieron Pollard, will be looking to edge closer to securing a playoff spot with a victory on Sunday. The team has won four matches and suffered three losses so far. MI Emirates comes into this match with a boost in confidence after a convincing 35-run win against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday.
Match Details
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been the venue for 10 matches in the ILT20 2025-2026. The average first-innings total at the stadium has been around 164, with chasing teams winning six out of the ten games played. One match even went into a Super Over, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
DV vs. MIE Predicted Playing XIs
Desert Vipers (DV):
Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Bruce, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Khuzaima Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson (c), Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad.
Impact Player: Fakhar Zaman
MI Emirates (MIE):
Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Arab Gul Momand.
Impact Player: Jonny Bairstow
DV vs. MIE Dream11 Prediction
For the Dream11 prediction, Jonny Bairstow is expected to be a key player with his impressive performance as one of the leading run-scorers in the tournament. On the other hand, Khuzaima Tanveer is likely to shine with his bowling skills, having taken 11 wickets in seven matches.
Match Prediction
Considering the trend of chasing teams winning matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the odds may be in favor of the team batting second to emerge victorious in this exciting clash between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed encounter between two strong teams in the ILT20 2025-26 season.
Key Players to Watch Out For
One of the key players to watch out for in this match is Kieron Pollard from MI Emirates. The West Indian all-rounder is known for his explosive batting and crucial contributions with the ball. Pollard’s leadership skills and experience make him a formidable force on the field, capable of turning the game around single-handedly.
For the Desert Vipers, Shimron Hetmyer is a player to keep an eye on. The left-handed batsman from the West Indies has the ability to score quick runs and stabilize the innings when needed. His aggressive approach to batting can put pressure on the opposition and set the tone for the Vipers’ innings.
Team Strategies and Dynamics
Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents in this crucial match. The Desert Vipers, with a solid batting lineup and a potent bowling attack led by Lockie Ferguson and Qais Ahmad, will aim to maintain their winning momentum and secure a top position in the points table.
On the other hand, MI Emirates will rely on the experience of players like Shakib Al Hasan and Romario Shepherd to deliver with both bat and ball. The team’s strategy may revolve around building partnerships and taking calculated risks to put pressure on the Desert Vipers.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Form
Looking at the head-to-head record between the Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, both teams have had their moments of dominance in previous encounters. However, with the current form and momentum on their side, the Desert Vipers enter this match as the favorites to come out on top.
Recent performances and confidence levels will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this match. The Desert Vipers’ consistent run of victories and strong team chemistry make them a formidable opponent for MI Emirates, who will need to bring their A-game to secure a win.
Final Thoughts
As the Desert Vipers gear up to face MI Emirates in a high-stakes encounter, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with exciting moments and standout performances. With playoff spots at stake and both teams eager to make a statement, the match is bound to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination.
Stay tuned for all the live action and updates as the Desert Vipers and MI Emirates battle it out in the ILT20 2025-26 season, promising an unforgettable showdown on the cricket field.



