ILT20 2025-26 Qualifier 2: MIE vs ADKR head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

MI Emirates will play Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the Qualifier 2 match of ILT20 2025-26 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 2. This match is a do-or-die encounter for the teams, as the winning side will qualify for the final, while the other will have to go back home.

MI Emirates finished second in the league stage, winning seven out of ten matches. However, they come into this game after a heavy 45-run loss to Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1. Despite their loss, their batting lineup put up a promising display, with Tom Banton scoring an impressive 63 off just 27 balls, while Muhammad Waseem and Romario Shepherd also contributed. The Emirates team would be most concerned about their bowling, which was poor during the last match.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a mixed season, winning four of their ten matches, but they still managed to qualify for the playoffs. They then produced a strong performance in the Eliminator, winning the match by 50 runs. Phil Salt and Michael Pepper led the batting with scores of 43 and 72, respectively. With the ball, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, and Liam Livingstone made a big impact, taking three wickets each. 

MIE vs ADKR: Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

• Matches Played: 8
  
• MI Emirates Won: 7
  
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Won: 1
  
• Tied/No Result: 0

MIE vs ADKR: Pitch Report

The Sharjah pitch has become more batting-friendly this season. The average first-innings score is around 169, higher than last year. Chasing teams have done slightly better here, winning more than half the matches. Spinners have enjoyed more success than fast bowlers, keeping runs under control and picking up regular wickets, especially in the middle overs.

See Also: BBL 2025-26 Match 20: HEA vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

MIE vs ADKR: Predicted Playing XIs

MI Emirates (MIE):

Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton (wk), Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kieron Pollard (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Dan Mousley, Romario Shepherd, Arab Gul Momand, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR):

Philip Salt (wk), Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Liam Livingstone, Brandon McMullen, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Ajay Kumar