The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 reaches its grand finale as Desert Vipers (DV) take on MI Emirates (MIE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, January 4.

The Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side all season. The team topped the points table with eight wins in ten matches and currently have a direct entry into the final after winning against MI Emirates in Qualifier 1. This is their second straight ILT20 final, and they will be eager to finally lift the trophy after falling short last time.

The MI Emirates had to take the longer route to the final. After losing Qualifier 1, they bounced back strongly by beating the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2. The Kieron Pollard-led side now has a chance to win their second ILT20 title and will be confident after their strong knockout performance.

DV vs MIE Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

• Matches Played: 9
  
• Desert Vipers Won: 5
  
• MI Emirates Won: 4
• Tied/No Result: 0

DV vs MIE: Pitch Report

The Dubai pitch is excellent for the bowlers, especially spinners. The batsmen have to be at the crease for some time before playing the big shots. Scores of around 160 can be pretty competitive here. Teams that win the toss might opt to bowl first, as chasing has been easier under lights.

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DV vs MIE: Predicted Playing XIs

Desert Vipers (DV):

Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Max Holden, Sam Curran (c), Dan Lawrence, Jason Roy, Hasan Nawaz, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad

Impact Player: David Payne

MI Emirates (MIE):

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

Impact Player: Andre Fletcher

DV vs MIE Match Preview

DV vs MIE Match Details

Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – Qualifier 1 Match, International League T20 2025

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: 30th December 2025 at 08:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

DV vs MIE Venue Stats 

DV vs MIE Pitch Report

The venue is a high-scoring venue with an ideal pitch for batting and a quick outfield. Fast bowlers have always had trouble here because there isn't much room on the surface. Spinners have had a good record because their balls turn sharply and tend to stop on batsmen.

DV vs MIE Weather Report

The climate is expected to remain clear during the match, with warm and pleasant conditions. 

DV vs MIE Last Five Matches

DV vs MIE Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

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DV vs MIE Probable Playing XIs:

MI Emirates Probable Playing XIs

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

Desert Vipers Probable Playing XIs

Max Holden, Andries Gous(wk), Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran(c), Jason Roy, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, David Payne, Qais Ahmad Impact subs: Tom Bruce, Fakhar Zaman 

Topmost Picks for DV vs MIE Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Desert Vipers

• Max Holden – Max Holden has led their batting performance, scoring 318 runs in 10 innings with an average of 40 and a strike rate of 126.19.
• Noor Ahmad – Noor Ahmad is the team's leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.91.

Top Picks – MI Emirates

• Muhammad Waseem – Muhammad Waseem has been an excellent opener, scoring 293 runs from ten innings at a strike rate of 132.
• Allah Ghazanfar – Allah Ghazanfar has been the club's most successful bowler, collecting 11 wickets in 10 outings at an economy rate of 6.95.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for DV vs MIE Dream11 Team:

Andries Gous, Max Holden, Muhammad Waseem(VC), Tom Banton, Sam Curran(C), Romario Shepherd, Dan Lawrence, Khuzaima Tanveer, David Payne, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Sam Curran, Daniel Lawrence

Vice-captain – Muhammad Waseem, Allah Ghazanfar

Wicketkeeper – Andries Gous

DV vs MIE Probable Winners:

Desert Vipers and MI Emirates will face off in the first International League T20 Qualifier, with both teams capable of reaching the finals. The Vipers dominated the group stage and have consistently performed well throughout the season.  But MI Emirates isn't a pushover—they've proven they can compete with anyone, particularly after their dominant victory over the Vipers in their most recent group meeting. A close contest is expected, but Emirates' superior current form, combined with their experience winning playoff games, tips the balance in their favor.  Considering the team combination, MI Emirates is expected to win this match.

The Desert Vipers will play against the MI Emirates in Qualifier-1 of the ILT20 2025-26 season at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The encounter is very important, as the winning team will gain direct entry into the final, whereas the losing side will have one more chance to qualify for the final in Qualifier-2.

Desert Vipers have been the standout team of the tournament so far, finishing the league stage at the pinnacle of the points table with eight wins from ten matches. Their batting has been reliable, as players such as Max Holden, Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, and Fakhar Zaman have scored runs pretty consistently. The bowlers have done a pretty good job, too, with Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, and David Payne stepping up at every crucial juncture when the team needed breaks.

MI Emirates head into this big game full of confidence after winning their last five matches in a row to end the league stage in second place. Opening has been ensured by Muhammad Waseem, and the middle has been stabilized by Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard. Allah Ghazanfar has led their bowling unit, ably supported by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Zahoor Khan, and has performed relatively well under pressure

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

• Matches Played: 6
  
• Desert Vipers Won: 3
  
• MI Emirates Won: 3
  
• Tied/No Result: 0
  

DV vs MIE: Pitch Report

The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium usually offers balance for both batters and bowlers. The faster bowlers may be able to get some movement initially, but the scoring becomes better once the batsmen get adjusted. The spinners might not obtain enough turn, but they can manage to slow down the game in middle overs. Overall, teams often prefer chasing here, as the conditions do improve later in the game.

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DV vs MIE: Predicted Playing XIs

Desert Vipers (DV):

Max Holden, Andries Gous (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran (C), Jason Roy, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, David Payne, Qais Ahmad

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

The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 is a continuation of Match 24, with the Desert Vipers (DV) meeting MI Emirates (MIE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, December 21st. 

Desert Vipers have already qualified for the playoffs and are sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. They have won six matches and lost only one so far. The Vipers have been the most consistent team this season and will look to maintain their strong form heading into the knockout stage.

MI Emirates, led by Kieron Pollard, are still fighting for a playoff spot. They have won four matches and lost three matches. The Emirates are coming into this match with good confidence after a 35-run win over theAbu Dhabi Knight Riders. A victory here would push them closer to confirming their place in the playoffs.

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

• Matches Played: 7
  
• Desert Vipers Won: 4
  
• MI Emirates Won: 3
  
• Tied: 0
  
• No Result: 0
  

DV vs MIE: Pitch Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch has been decent for batters and bowlers, too. The average first-innings total this season is around 164. Most of the matches here have been won by the chasing teams, so the captain winning the toss may want to bowl first.

See Also: ILT20 2025-26 Match 23: GG vs DCP head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

DV vs MIE: Predicted Playing XIs

Desert Vipers (DV):

Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Bruce, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind (WK), Khuzaima Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson (C), Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad

MI Emirates (MIE):

Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Arab Gul Momand

MIE vs DV Match Preview

Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, the defending champions, will face off in Dubai for the second time in this edition of International League T20. A close contest where Desert Vipers won by 1 run. MI Emirates will be looking to take back revenge for last match and win this match

MIE vs DV Match Details 

MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – 07th Match, ILT20

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Date & Time: 16th January 2025 at 08:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

MIE vs DV Venue Stats

MIE vs DV Pitch Report

Expect high scores if the dew falls, but clever bowling variations may keep things competitive, favoring batsmen with true bounce and shorter boundaries. However, an ocean breeze can help swing bowlers immediately.

MIE vs DV Weather Report

The climate in Dubai will be clear and breezy, with little chance of rain. 

MIE vs DV Last Five Matches

MIE vs DV Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

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MIE vs DV Probable Playing XIs:

MI Emirates Probable Playing XIs

Desert Vipers Probable Playing XIs

Fakhar Zaman, Alex Hales, Daniel Lawrence, Sam Curran, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri(w), Wanindu Hasaranga, Ali Naseer, Lockie Ferguson(c), Mohammad Amir, Luke Wood

Topmost Picks for MIE vs DV Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – MI Emirates

• Tom Banton – Tom Banton will be an important player for the team after an incredible last match where he piled up 74 runs off 52 balls, with a strike rate of 142.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi –  Fazalhaq Farooqi new ball provides ample firepower, taking a 2-wicket in his last match.

Top Picks – Desert Vipers8

• Sherfane Rutherford – Sherfane Rutherford, back at the controls of a skilled squad, scored 40 of 18 balls.
• Lockie Ferguson –  Lockie Ferguson offers pace options that boost the attack and provide crucial breakthroughs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for MIE vs DV Dream11 Team:

Nicholas Pooran(C), Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem, Fakhar Zaman, Alex Hales, Daniel Lawrence(VC), Sam Curran, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Lockie Ferguson

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for MIE vs DV Dream11 Team:

Nicholas Pooran, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem, Fakhar Zaman, Alex Hales, Daniel Lawrence, Sam Curran(C), Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Fazalhaq Farooqi(VC), Lockie Ferguson

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran

Vice-captain – Daniel Lawrence, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Wicketkeeper – Nicholas Pooran

MIE vs DV Probable Winners:

The MI Emirates have a dependable batting order with plenty of depth, and their bowlers provide enough variety to get the job done on many occasions. Their bowling, on the other hand, is excellent, and if they can limit the MI Emirates to a modest total, they may be able to stay in the game. Considering the team combination, MI Emirates is expected to win this match.

MI are having a tough time in South Africa but their journey in the ILT20 is going pretty well. Sitting at the top of the table they are pretty consistent with their performances and have been pretty good at closing out games.

DV vs MIE Match Details

Date: February 4th, 2024

Time:  4:00 PM IST

Venue: Zayed International Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

DV vs MIE Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

DV vs MIE Pitch Report

A good pitch helpful for batters is likely. Batting second will be a better option.

DV vs MIE Predicted Playing XI

MIE Playing XI

Muhammad Waseem, Kusal Perera, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Odean Smith, Akeal Hossein, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid, Ambati Rayudu

DV Playing XI

Rohan Mustafa, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Azam Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Adam Hose, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ali Naseer, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Luke Wood

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DV vs MIE Key Players

Akeal Hossein

An underrated spinner from the Caribbean, Akeal Hossein is doing a pretty good job bowling some silent overs early on. His tight lines are pretty effective and have put batters in a bit of a strangle throughout the tournament.

Alex Hales

Alex Hales has been in some good form batting at number three. He has had his fair share of fitness issues in the past as well but finally looks to be making it through the franchise circuit pretty well.

DV vs MIE Match Tips

MI Emirates are favorites after a good run of results in the previous games.

Match Prediction: MI Emirates Will Win the Match