DV vs SW Match Analysis
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium prepares to host a fascinating Saturday night clash as the Desert Vipers take on the Sharjah Warriorz in the 22nd match of the ILT20 2025-26. Scheduled for an 8:30 PM BDT start, this primetime fixture guarantees the “Ring of Fire” will be buzzing with energy.
The Desert Vipers, despite their strong standing in the league, are coming off a psychological blow. Their main strengths lie in a deeply balanced squad packed with international all-rounders and a bowling attack that offers pace and spin in equal measure.
The Sharjah Warriorz, on the other hand, are a team that thrives on momentum and individual brilliance. While inconsistency has plagued them historically, their current form suggests they are finding the right formula at the right time.
Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz Team Preview & Squads
Desert Vipers
Captain Lockie Ferguson leads the charge for the DV, bringing raw pace and aggression to the forefront of their strategy. As a leader, he is tasked with managing a high-profile bowling unit and ensuring that tactical matchups.
DV batting lineup is anchored by key player Max Holden, who provides stability and flair at the top. The depth is bolstered by a middle order capable of accelerating rapidly, though they are susceptible to pressure when chasing stiff targets. The presence of dynamic hitters ensures they can post big scores, but they need to avoid leaving too much work for the lower order.
On the bowling front, the attack is potent and varied, spearheaded by Ferguson himself and the versatile Sam Curran. This combination of left-arm variation and express pace is designed to dismantle opposition lineups.
In their previous match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on December 16, 2025, the Vipers suffered a heart-breaking defeat. Chasing a target of 182, they fought valiantly to reach 180/6, falling short by just a single run. Despite a spirited effort, the inability to find that one extra boundary in the final moments cost them the points.
Desert Vipers Squads
Desert Vipers
Lockie Ferguson (C), Vriitya Aravind (WK), Bilal Tahir, Tom Bruce, Sam Curran, 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
Sharjah Warriorz
Sikandar Raza takes the reins of the SW, bringing a calm and calculating presence to the captaincy. As a veteran all-rounder, Raza’s ability to read the game and contribute with both bat and ball makes him the heartbeat of this side.
The batting department has found a reliable hero in Tom Abell, whose recent performances have been instrumental in stabilizing the innings. While the team possesses power, they are prone to middle-order collapses, often requiring the lower-middle order to bail them out.
SW bowling attack is shaping up to be their trump card, particularly with the inclusion of Matheesha Pathirana. His slingy action and death-over expertise were on full display in the last game, providing the Warriorz with a genuine wicket-taking threat.
The Warriorz enter this match fresh off a morale-boosting win against the Gulf Giants on December 15, 2025. They posted a competitive 174/6 thanks to their batters, and then restricted the Giants to 163/9 to win by 11 runs. Pathirana was the destroyer-in-chief, claiming 3/19 and earning the Player of the Match award for his decisive spell.
Sharjah Warriorz Squads
Sharjah Warriorz
Tim Southee, Abdul Salam Khan, Tom Abell, Mohammed Aslam, Mark Chapman, Johnson Charles, Ethan D’Souza, Tim David, Harmeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Dinesh Karthik, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saurabh Netravalkar, Richard Ngarava, Matheesha Pathirana, Dwaine Pretorius, Raees Ahmed, Shubham Ranjane, Adil Rashid, James Rew (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Nathan Sowter, Taskin Ahmed, Maheesh Theekshana, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Wasim Akram
Match Details | |
Match | Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz | 22nd Match | International League T20 2026 |
Date | 20/12/2025 (Saturday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Desert Vipers – W W W W L Sharjah Warriorz – L L L W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Vipers vs Sharjah Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
DV vs SW Outfield Report
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is traditionally decent for batting, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely under lights. However, it can offer some early assistance to seamers and tends to aid spinners as the match progresses before the dew sets in. The boundaries are reasonably sized, but the outfield is quick, rewarding shots that pierce the gap.
Weather conditions in Dubai for this evening encounter will be pleasant, with temperatures dropping to a comfortable level for cricket. The most critical factor here is the dew; later in the night, the outfield can become quite wet, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball.
Fielding strategies will heavily depend on the dew factor. In the powerplay, the ball will move, so slips might be in play, but as the game wears on, captains will likely push fielders to the boundary to cut off fours on the wet grass.
Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In their last five T20 matches against each other, the Desert Vipers have dominated proceedings, winning four times compared to the Sharjah Warriorz’s single victory. This historical dominance gives the Vipers a significant psychological edge heading into this contest.
DV vs SW Prediction
Event | Desert Vipers | Sharjah Warriorz |
Toss Winner | Desert Vipers | – |
Player of the Match | Sam Curran | – |
Top Run Scorer | Max Holden | Tom Abell |
Top Wicket Taker | Lockie Ferguson | Matheesha Pathirana |
Most Sixes | Max Holden | Tom Abell |
Predicted Score | 175+ | 130+ |
Win Probability | 60% | 40% |
According to cricket analysts Desert Vipers have a 60% 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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