ADKR vs MIE Match Analysis
The stakes couldn’t be higher at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium as the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) face off against MI Emirates (MIE) in Qualifier 2. It is a classic knockout scenario: the winner books a ticket to the Grand Final, while the loser’s campaign ends tonight.
ADKR are surging, having successfully defended a modest total in the Eliminator against Dubai Capitals. Their confidence is built on a bowling attack that knows how to squeeze teams on slow surfaces.
On the other hand, MI Emirates are looking to rebound. After a humbling defeat to Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1. where their bowling unit was taken apart Kieron Pollard’s men must regroup quickly to save their season.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates Match Details
Match | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates | Qualifier 2 | International League T20 2026 |
Date | 02/01/2026 (Friday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – W L L W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The surface at Sharjah has been playing true to its reputation as a “grinder.” While the stadium is famous for its small boundary dimensions, the pitch itself has been sluggish this season. The ball tends to stop on the batter, making early aggressive play risky. Spinners are expected to dominate the middle overs, utilizing the lack of pace to deceive power hitters. However, the captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first; dew is almost guaranteed in the second innings, which will nullify the spinners and allow the ball to skid onto the bat much better for the chasing side.
Weather Report
Fans can expect a perfect evening for cricket with clear skies and temperatures settling around 18°C to 22°C. There is no chance of rain. The humidity levels will rise as the night progresses, leading to the “dew factor” which will significantly impact bowling strategies in the second half of the match.
ADKR vs MIE Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 6 |
MIE Won | 5 |
ADKR Won | 1 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | February 3, 2023 |
Most-recent Fixture | December 20, 2025 |
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates Team Preview & Squads
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
No matter how the pitch behaves, ADKR always seem to find a way to bend the game to their advantage. In the Eliminator, they proved that a score of 158 can be match-winning if you have the right bowling attack.
Jason Holder has shown sharp tactical awareness in deploying his bowling unit, especially Sunil Narine, whose mystery spin continues to torment batters on slow, tacky pitches such as Sharjah. The batting lineup is high-risk, high-reward. Michael Pepper has been the anchor, providing consistent runs while the likes of Phil Salt and Andre Russell look to explode.
Their main concern is a tendency to lose wickets in clusters. Against MIE, they will need one of their top-order batters to play deep into the innings to ensure they post a total their spinners can defend.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Squad
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Squad
Jason Holder, Adnan Idrees, Ajay Kumar, Unmukt Chand, Piyush Chawla, Mayank Chowdary, George Garton, Alex Hales, Ibrar Ahmad, Liam Livingstone, Manan Ali, Brandon McMullen, Sunil Narine, Michael Pepper, Khary Pierre, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, Alishan Sharafu, Olly Stone, Shadley van Schalkwyk
MI Emirates
Despite a demoralizing loss in Qualifier 1, MI Emirates remain a dangerous side. Tom Banton has been in sensational form, taking the attack to the opposition regardless of the conditions.
Kieron Pollard brings immense experience to the middle order, ensuring that MIE rarely panics during a chase. The worry for MIE is their bowling. Conceding 233 runs in their last outing exposed cracks in their death bowling and execution.
On a small ground like Sharjah, their bowlers, led by AM Ghazanfar, must improve their discipline. If they can restrict ADKR to a par score, their batting lineup is more than capable of hunting it down.
MI Emirates Squad
MI Emirates Squad
Jason Holder, Adnan Idrees, Ajay Kumar, Unmukt Chand, Piyush Chawla, Mayank Chowdary, George Garton, Alex Hales, Ibrar Ahmad, Liam Livingstone, Manan Ali, Brandon McMullen, Sunil Narine, Michael Pepper, Khary Pierre, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, Alishan Sharafu, Olly Stone, Shadley van Schalkwyk
ADKR vs MIE Prediction
Event | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | MI Emirates |
Toss Winner | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | – |
Player of the Match | – | Tom Banton |
Top Run Scorer | Michael Pepper | Tom Banton |
Top Wicket Taker | Jason Holder | AM Ghazanfar |
Most Sixes | Michael Pepper | Tom Banton |
Predicted Score | 170+ | 180+ |
Win Probability | 47% | 53% |
According to cricket analysts MI Emirates have a 53% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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