Gulf Giants will face MI Emirates in the 26th match of the DP World ILT20 2025 on January 31 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Gulf Giants will face MI Emirates in the 26th match of the International League T20. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both want to win this game to improve their numbers in the tournament.

MI Emirates are currently in third place with three wins and three defeats in their six games. They have eight points to their name and a win in this game would consolidate their position in second place. They have registered three wins and three losses in the last six games, including a massive 154-run win over Desert Vipers in the last game.

On the contrary, the Gulf Giants are struggling almost at the bottom of the tournament points table with just three wins and five losses in their eight games. They only have six points to their name and are hoping to win this game and record their fourth success of the tournament. It promises to be a hard-fought game between these two teams.

Match Preview

Gulf Giants

The Gulf Giants are currently struggling with 3 losses in their last 5 games. They are currently 5th in the points table and need to win here to maintain their chances of qualifying.

James Vince's performance at the top of the batting line-up was a major disappointment. He has been one of the most consistent hitters in recent seasons, but has averaged fewer than 25 runs in his 8 innings this year.

It will be important for him to score runs if the Giants want to get two points. Tom Alsop has played well at times and will look to give the team a solid start.

The middle class also lacked consistency. Although the Giants have some strong hitters like Tim David, Shimron Hetmeyer and Tom Curran, they have struggled to hit big totals. With Chris Jordan available for selection, the seaming department will be further strengthened as both Mark Adair and Blessing Muzarabani have bowled well.

However, no one except Aayan Afzal Khan could do much in the spin department.

MI Emirates

In the batting department, the team will rely on in-form opener Andre Fletcher, Tom Banton, Kieron Pollard, captain Nicholas Pooran, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Waseem and Romario Shepherd to provide the bulk of the runs.

In the previous game, Tom Banton was the star of the show with the bat for MI Emirates and ended the innings with the top score of 105 runs off 55 balls with nine boundaries and seven fours. He was well supported by opener Andre Fletcher, who hit a brisk 95 off 50 balls with the help of ten fours and three sixes.

Owing to the excellent batting performances of Banton and Fletcher, MI Emirates managed to score a whopping 228 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

In the bowling department, the team will depend on players like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Alzarri Joseph, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Romario Shepherd and Kieron Pollard to make timely breakthroughs.

In the previous game, pace duo Muhammad Rohid Khan and Alzarri Joseph bowled exceptionally well and secured three wickets each.

Left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi was also great with the new ball for MI Emirates, picking up two crucial wickets in the previous game.

Pitch Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium features a well-balanced pitch that benefits both batters and bowlers, ensuring exciting competition during matches. Fast bowlers have found success thanks to the consistent seam movement, while spinners have been able to find some momentum and purchase from the surface.

Toss Prediction

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai was a great venue for the chasing teams. Seven out of ten games played in Dubai this season were won by the team that finished second. Keeping this record in mind, both captains will try to win the toss and field first on this surface.

Weather Report

The weather in Dubai is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 20-25°C. No rain is forecast, ensuring a full game without interruptions.

Head to Head

The two teams have faced each other in 4 matches so far, with both teams winning 2 games.

Venue Details

The 26th match of the 2025 T20 international league between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Match Prediction

Based on their current form this season, MI Emirates will be favorites to win the game against Gulf Giants. With players like Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher in excellent form this season, the team management will be hoping that Emirates can deliver another clinical batting performance in this game.

Expect MI Emirates to comfortable win over the Gulf Giants.

Betting Tips

We support MI Emirates to win this game. They have one of the strongest batting units in the league and some of their top hitters are in great shape. MI Emirates also has two of the best sailors and that is a big advantage for them.

Bet on MI Emirates to win.

Probable Playing XI

Gulf Giants Playing XI

James Vince (c), Tom Alsop, Jordan Cox (wk), Gerhard Erasmus, Shimron Hetmyer, Tim David, Tom Curran, Mark Adair, Aayan Afzal Khan, Chris Jordan, Muhammad Zuhaib.

MI Emirates Playing XI

Kusal Perera, Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran(wk/c), Dan Mousley, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Top Fantasy Picks Dream11 Prediction

Gulf Giants Key Players

Mark Adair can be an all-rounder for the fantasy teams as he can handle both the ball and the bat well to put up fantasy points in both departments.

James Vince has scored 167 runs in eight games and will be a handy budget pick for this game.

MI Emirates Key Players

Tom Banton was at his best in Emirates' 154-run win against Vipers. He scored an unbeaten 105 runs off just 55 balls, nine boundaries and seven maximums.

Alzarri Joseph was the choice bowler for MI Emirates in the last game. He picked three wickets, conceded just 17 runs and didn't even reach the quota of four overs.

Nicholas Pooran, who ended 2024 with 2331 runs in 74 T20 innings, including 170 sixes, by far the most of any player, was a blockbuster. He will be an automatic choice.