Qualifier 1 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 will decide the first finalist of the season. The league-stage toppers Desert Vipers will face the in-form MI Emirates in a high-stakes clash at Abu Dhabi.
MI Emirates have peaked at the right time with five consecutive wins, while Desert Vipers finished the league stage strongly but looked slightly inconsistent in the second half. With a direct entry into the final at stake, this promises to be a pressure-packed contest.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | International League T20 2025-26 |
| Match | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – Qualifier 1 |
| Date | Tuesday, 30 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
Match Preview
Desert Vipers – Team Analysis
Desert Vipers finished the league stage in the top two, thanks to a strong start where they won six games in a row. However, they lost two of their last four matches, and a few squad changes due to player availability have affected their balance.
They will rely heavily on Sam Curran, Fakhar Zaman, Jason Roy, and Dan Lawrence with the bat. Their bowling attack, led by Naseem Shah and Qais Ahmad, remains their biggest strength.
MI Emirates – Team Analysis
MI Emirates have been the most dangerous team in the second half of the tournament. After a slow start, they won five matches in a row, including a crucial victory over Desert Vipers.
Senior players like Kieron Pollard, Shakib Al Hasan, and Romario Shepherd have stepped up, while Muhammad Waseem and Tom Banton have provided solid starts. Their confidence and momentum make them a serious threat.
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Desert Vipers | 3 |
| MI Emirates | 3 |
| No Result | 0 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| Desert Vipers | W, L, W, L, W |
| MI Emirates | W, W, W, W, W |
Pitch & Weather Report – Abu Dhabi
Weather Update
- Temperature: 23–25°C
- Humidity: 40–50%
- Rain Chance: 0% (perfect playing conditions)
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly surface
- Spinners get help in the middle overs
- Chasing teams have enjoyed success here
Chasing Record
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Winning Percentage | 55% |
| Advantage | Slightly favour chasing |
Sheikh Zayed Stadium – T20 Stats
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 98 |
| Batting First Wins | 45 |
| Batting Second Wins | 53 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 138 |
| Highest Score | 225/7 |
| Lowest Score | 54 all out |
Predicted Playing XI
Desert Vipers
- Fakhar Zaman
- Andries Gous (WK)
- Max Holden
- Sam Curran (C)
- Dan Lawrence
- Jason Roy
- Hasan Nawaz
- Vriitya Aravind
- Khuzaima Tanveer
- Naseem Shah
- Qais Ahmad
MI Emirates
- Muhammad Waseem
- Andre Fletcher
- Tom Banton (WK)
- Kieron Pollard (C)
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Dan Mousley
- Romario Shepherd
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Zahoor Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Read Also: ILT20 2025–26 Points Table, Match Results
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Small League – Safe Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Max Holden
- Muhammad Waseem
- Fakhar Zaman
- Tom Banton
These players are consistent and ideal for small leagues.
Grand League – High-Risk Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Sam Curran
- Romario Shepherd
- Dan Lawrence
- Allah Ghazanfar
Perfect differential picks for grand leagues.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Desert Vipers are a strong team, but MI Emirates have momentum, form, and confidence on their side. Their top order is clicking, and their bowlers are striking early, which has made a huge difference in recent matches.
With senior players delivering under pressure, MI Emirates look better prepared for a big knockout game.
Predicted Winner: MI Emirates
Injury Update
| Team | Injury Status |
|---|---|
| MI Emirates | No injury concerns |
| Desert Vipers | No injury concerns |
Disclaimer
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