DV vs MIE Match Analysis
Dubai is set for a high-stakes showdown as the Desert Vipers lock horns with MI Emirates in the ILT20 2026 final. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with its true bounce and slight night-time dew, could play a pivotal role in determining the winner. With both teams in peak form, the clash promises fireworks under the lights.
Desert Vipers come into the final with a strong mindset, bouncing back after early tournament hiccups. Their 45-run triumph over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 at Abu Dhabi showcased Andries Gous’s match-winning prowess and Sam Curran’s leadership acumen. Momentum is on their side, and they will be eager to replicate their dominant display.
MI Emirates are equally formidable, riding a wave of confidence after a commanding 7-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2. Led by Kieron Pollard’s experience, and with Shakib Al Hasan orchestrating the middle order, their balanced batting and incisive bowling make them a serious threat. Tom Banton’s firepower at the top could be decisive in Dubai’s dew-laden night conditions.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Match Details
Match | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates | Final | International League T20 2026 |
Date | 04/01/2026 (Sunday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Desert Vipers – L W L W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Dubai has historically favored a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batsmen enjoy a true bounce from the surface, allowing power hitters to play freely after the powerplay. Bowlers with variation, especially those who can exploit slower deliveries, will find opportunities early on. Night matches often see dew, giving the chasing side a subtle advantage, particularly in hitting through the middle overs. Scores of 180–190 are competitive, but anything beyond 200 could be decisive.
Weather Report
Dubai’s weather on January 4, 2026, is expected to be clear and pleasant, with mild winter temperatures. The night-time dew factor could affect grip for bowlers, particularly spinners, making batting easier in the second innings. Captains will need to consider this while deciding the toss, as chasing teams often have an edge under such conditions.
DV vs MIE Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 9 |
DV Won | 4 |
MIE Won | 5 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | January 24, 2023 |
Most-recent Fixture | December 30, 2025 |
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Team Preview & Squads
Desert Vipers
Sam Curran’s captaincy will be central to DV’s chances. His all-round skills provide balance and allow flexible bowling changes. Curran’s leadership in pressure matches, as demonstrated in Qualifier 1, can inspire the team to execute aggressive yet calculated strategies.
Batting largely revolves around Andries Gous, whose unbeaten 120 in the last match showed he can anchor innings while accelerating when needed. The top order, complemented by Tom Bruce and Vriitya Aravind, can set formidable totals or stabilize innings if early wickets fall.
Bowling strength lies in Usman Tariq’s wicket-taking abilities and the variety offered by all-rounders like Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga. The combination of pace and spin, coupled with death-over specialists, allows DV to adapt to any in-match scenario.
Desert Vipers Squads
Desert Vipers Squads
Vriitya Aravind, Bilal Tahir, Tom Bruce, Sam Curran, Faisal Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Andries Gous, Hasan Nawaz, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Khuzaima Tanveer, Dan Lawrence, Matiullah Khan, Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Qais Ahmad, Jason Roy, Usman Tariq
MI Emirates
Kieron Pollard brings experience and strategic clarity to MI Emirates, especially in crunch situations. His leadership ensures aggressive field placements and smart bowling rotations, critical in a final where small margins decide outcomes.
Tom Banton leads the batting line-up with explosive intent. Supported by Jonny Bairstow and Shakib Al Hasan, MI Emirates possess a flexible middle order capable of accelerating the score or steadying the innings. Their batting can exploit Dubai’s true bounce while countering dew in the chase.
Bowling options are anchored by AM Ghazanfar, who thrives in middle overs, and Shakib Al Hasan, whose variations challenge batsmen. The inclusion of Rashid Khan and Chris Woakes provides tactical depth, making MI Emirates well-equipped to adapt to Dubai’s conditions and chase or defend totals efficiently.
MI Emirates Squads
MI Emirates Squads
Arab Gul, Ackeem Auguste, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Andre Fletcher, AM Ghazanfar, Nosthush Kenjige, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kamindu Mendis, Mohamed Shafeeq, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Waseem, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Tajinder Singh, Usman Khan Shinwari, Chris Woakes, Zahoor Khan, Zain Ul Abidin
DV vs MIE Prediction
Event | Desert Vipers | MI Emirates |
Toss Winner | Desert Vipers | – |
Player of the Match | Andries Gous | – |
Top Run Scorer | Andries Gous | Tom Banton |
Top Wicket Taker | Usman Tariq | AM Ghazanfar |
Most Sixes | Andries Gous | Tom Banton |
Predicted Score | 190+ | 180+ |
Win Probability | 52% | 48% |
According to cricket analysts Desert Vipers have a 52% 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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