Desert Vipers and MI Emirates clash in Qualifier 1 of the ILT20 2025-26 season, with the winner securing a direct spot in the final. This high-stakes showdown at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on December 30 promises fireworks from two in-form sides.
The full name is Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, Qualifier 1, International League T20 2025-26. It kicks off on Tuesday, December 30, at 6:30 PM local time (8:00 PM IST). The venue is Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed’s pitch offers fast bounce early on, favoring pacers, but it flattens out for batsmen later, with scores around 165-175 often defendable. Weather stays clear with no rain threats, mild evening temperatures around 22°C, and light winds—perfect for a full game.
This Qualifier 1 decides who skips straight to the final on January 4, while the loser drops to Qualifier 2 for a second shot. Desert Vipers topped the league with eight wins from 10, but MI Emirates ride a scorching five-match streak into this rematch.
Vipers enter off a five-wicket chase against Sharjah Warriorz, blending explosive batting with tight bowling. MI Emirates, led by Kieron Pollard, have won seven of 10 league games, their latest victories showcasing ruthless chases and death-over control.
Head-to-Head Record
The sides have split six meetings 3-3 overall. In this season’s two clashes, Vipers edged a one-run thriller first, but Emirates hit back with a comfy chase. Last five: Emirates 3 wins, Vipers 2.
ILT20 2025 Match Details
- Match: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates
- Time: 7:30 PM 2:30 PM GMT / 6:30 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Live Broadcast: FanCode app and website, Zee Network
International T20 League Live Streaming Info:
The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 features 6 teams: Dubai Capitals, Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Sharjah Warriors. The tournament includes a total of 34 matches.
The competition runs from January 11, 2025, to February 9, 2025. Matches are held at three major venues in the UAE: Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, and Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
- India: Live streaming is available on the Zee5 OTT platform; TV coverage is on multiple Zee Network channels, including Zee Cinema and Sony Six.
- Pakistan: Matches are live on the Tapmad platform and TV channels such as PTV Sports, Geo Super, and A Sports.
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Abu Dhabi Sports, Dubai Sports, MYCO, and the ILT20 official YouTube channel for live streaming.
- Caribbean: Rush Sports, Flow Sports.
- United Kingdom: BT Sport, Sky Sports, Zee TV, TNT Sports, BBC iPlayer (online free access).
- Australia: Fox Cricket, Channel 9, Stan Sports.
- New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ.
- United States and Canada: Willow TV, ESPNcricinfo, and BBC iPlayer.
- Europe: Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten TV.
- South Africa: SABC Sport, Showmax, DStv Now.
The format is a double round-robin where each team plays the others twice, followed by playoffs including Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final. The playoffs start on February 5, with the final scheduled for February 9, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
YouTube: Search for the ILT20 Official Channel and look for the live stream during match times.
Tamasha: Visit their website or app to find the live streams available for ILT20 matches.
Live Streaming Info:
Sky Cricket will be live: MIE vs DV
Live Score Info:
Cricket lovers can watch the Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates live score from this website: www.espncricinfo.com
Probable Playing XI
Desert Vipers Probable XI: Phil Salt, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Colin Ackermann, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sherfane Rutherford, Roelof van der Merwe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, Tymal Mills, Luke Wood, Aryan Lakra.
MI Emirates Probable XI: Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Dasun Shanaka, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Will Jacks, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zahoor Khan, Trent Boult.
Desert Vipers Analysis
Vipers’ strength lies in their top-order firepower and pace battery, though middle-order collapses remain a weakness. Key men include openers who anchor big chases and swing bowlers thriving on bounce. Recent form: Unbeaten in five, blending youth and experience seamlessly.
MI Emirates Analysis
Emirates dominate with explosive middle-order hitters and a varied attack, but they leak runs in powerplays at times. Standouts like Nicholas Pooran (match-winner with the bat) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (pace spearhead) fuel their streak. Their bench depth shone in recent blowouts.
Match Prediction
MI Emirates hold the edge with hotter momentum, better head-to-head finishes lately, and chasing prowess suiting the pitch—expect them to win by 10-15 runs or 4-6 wickets if batting second.