Today, January 4, 2026, the Desert Vipers (DV) take on the MI Emirates (MIE) in the Grand Final of the ILT20 2025-26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Vipers are coming off a massive win in Qualifier 1 where Andries Gous smashed a historic 120*, while the Emirates secured their spot by beating Abu Dhabi in Qualifier 2.
Match Details
- Pitch: Dubai is generally balanced but favors chasing under lights due to potential dew. High scores are likely if the top order settles.
- Key Players: Sam Curran (MVP candidate), Andries Gous (form of his life), Muhammad Waseem (top run-scorer for MIE), and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Team 1: Balanced (Small League / H2H)
Standard safe team focusing on consistent performers.
- WK: Andries Gous (C), Tom Banton
- BAT: Muhammad Waseem, Fakhar Zaman, Kieron Pollard
- ALL: Sam Curran (VC), Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd
- BOWL: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naseem Shah, Allah Ghazanfar
Team 2: Vipers Dominance (DV Batting Heavy)
Use this if you think DV's top order will repeat their Qualifier 1 heroics.
- WK: Andries Gous (C), Tom Banton
- BAT: Fakhar Zaman (VC), Max Holden, Jason Roy
- ALL: Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence
- BOWL: David Payne, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Team 3: Emirates Revenge (MIE Win Scenario)
Use this if you expect the defending champions to step up in the final.
- WK: Tom Banton (C), Andre Fletcher
- BAT: Muhammad Waseem (VC), Kieron Pollard, Dan Mousley
- ALL: Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd
- BOWL: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, David Payne
Team 4: Bowling/All-Rounder Heavy (Low Scoring/Dew Factor)
If the pitch offers grip for spinners or the pressure of the final keeps scores low.
- WK: Andries Gous
- BAT: Muhammad Waseem, Rassie van der Dussen (if playing) / Fakhar Zaman
- ALL: Sam Curran (C), Shakib Al Hasan (VC), Romario Shepherd, George Linde
- BOWL: Rashid Khan (if available/playing), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq
Team 5: Mega Grand League (Risky/High Reward)
Differential picks for a top rank.
- WK: Tom Banton
- BAT: Max Holden (C), Muhammad Waseem, Kieron Pollard
- ALL: Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, Sanjay Krishnamurthi
- BOWL: Allah Ghazanfar (VC), Khuzaima Tanveer, Zahoor Khan, Naseem Shah
Top Captaincy Picks
- Andries Gous: Just scored 120* vs MIE a few days ago.
- Sam Curran: Provides value with both bat and ball; usually bowls at the death.
- Muhammad Waseem: The most consistent batter for MI Emirates throughout the season.
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