DV vs MIE Match Analysis
The stage is set at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi for a tantalizing clash between two heavyweights of the ILT20. As we head into the 9th match of the ILT20 2025-26 on a Monday night, the atmosphere promises to be electric with a scheduled start of 8:30 PM BDT.
The Desert Vipers (DV) come into this game with their tails up after a nail-biting finish in Sharjah. Under the leadership of English all-rounder Sam Curran, they have cultivated a team culture defined by aggressive cricket and resilience.
On the other side of the ring, MI Emirates (MIE) are looking to cement their dominance early in the league. Led by the T20 veteran Kieron Pollard, MIE boasts an enviable roster of explosive power-hitters and a versatile group of international all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Team Preview & Squads
Desert Vipers
Captain Sam Curran is the heartbeat of this DV outfit, bringing his trademark energy and dual-threat capability to the fore. As a leader, he has the difficult task of balancing his own aggressive instincts with the tactical nuance required to manage a bowling rotation on UAE pitches.
The batting department is headlined by the Caribbean flair of Shimron Hetmyer, who is in scintillating form. Supported by the likes of Fakhar Zaman at the top and the stability of Dan Lawrence, the Vipers have a lineup capable of chasing steep targets. However, the “occasional batting collapses” mentioned in the team dossier remain a concern.
On the bowling front, the DV possess a lethal arsenal. With the express pace of Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson, they have the firepower to hurry batsmen even on sluggish tracks. The spin department is marshaled by the mystery of Noor Ahmad and the experience of Wanindu Hasaranga, making them a well-rounded attack.
In their previous match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the Vipers showed immense character. Chasing a target of 172, they stumbled their way to victory, winning by just 2 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Shimron Hetmyer was the hero, blasting a 48 off 25 balls to secure the Player of the Match award.
Desert Vipers Squads
Desert Vipers
Lockie Ferguson, Vriitya Aravind, Bilal Tahir, Tom Bruce, Sam Curran (c), Faisal Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Andries Gous (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shimron Hetmyer, Max Holden, Khuzaima Tanveer, Dan Lawrence, Matiullah Khan, Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Qais Ahmad
MI Emirates
MI Emirates is led by the charismatic Kieron Pollard, a man who has seen and done it all in franchise cricket. Pollard’s leadership style is often relaxed but tactically astute, and his ability to clear the boundary at will in the final overs remains a massive asset.
The batting depth of MIE is frankly intimidating. With Jonny Bairstow likely donning the gloves and opening the batting, and the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem in the mix, no total is safe. They are a team built on “explosive batting potential,” designed to out-score opponents even if the bowlers have an off day.
The bowling attack is equally impressive, featuring a blend of world-class pace and spin. The inclusion of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq ensures quality swing and seam, while the spin wizardry of Rashid Khan and the veteran savvy of Shakib Al Hasan provide control.
MIE enters this match fresh off a tight victory against the Sharjah Warriorz. Batting first, they posted 185/8 and managed to restrict the Warriorz to 181/7, winning by a slender 4-run margin. Romario Shepherd was the standout performer, smashing a quickfire 31* off 10 balls and taking a wicket, highlighting the depth of match-winners present in this squad.
MI Emirates Squads
MI Emirates
Arab Gul, Ackeem Auguste, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Tom Banton, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Andre Fletcher, AM Ghazanfar, Nosthush Kenjige, Kamindu Mendis, Mohamed Shafeeq, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Waseem, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Tajinder Singh, Jordan Thompson, Usman Khan Shinwari, Chris Woakes, Zahoor Khan, Zain Ul Abidin
Match Details | |
Match | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates | Match Number 9 | International League T20 2025 |
Date | 09/12/2025 (Monday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
Recent performance | Desert Vipers – L W L W W MI Emirates – W L L L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Vipers vs Emirates Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
DV vs MIE Outfield Report
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Generally, the pitch at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will be an all-around sports wicket that allows for true bounce and promotes shot play. Historically, however, the pitch has given the pacers some help initially with the new ball in the early overs.
Weather conditions for the match are expected to be typical for a December evening in the UAE, cool and pleasant. The temperature will likely hover around the low 20s (Celsius). The dew factor is the elephant in the room.
In terms of Powerplay and fielding, the outfield is fast, rewarding shots that pierce the gap. Both teams will look to capitalize on the first six overs; DV with Fakhar Zaman and MIE with Bairstow/Waseem will aim to go hard.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
While the specific score trends of the last 5 matches are not detailed in the provided data, both teams are currently riding high on winning form in this tournament. Their recent performances, a tight chase for DV and a close defense for MIE.
DV vs MIE Prediction
Event | Desert Vipers | MI Emirates |
Toss Winner | Desert Vipers | – |
Player of the Match | Shimron Hetmyer | – |
Top Run Scorer | Shimron Hetmyer | Jonny Bairstow |
Top Wicket Taker | Naseem Shah | Rashid Khan |
Most Sixes | Fakhar Zaman | Kieron Pollard |
Predicted Score | 180+ | 160+ |
Win Probability | 54% | 46% |
According to cricket analysts Desert Vipers 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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