The International League T20 2025–26 reaches its climax as Desert Vipers and MI Emirates prepare for a high-stakes final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both sides carrying strong form into the title clash, Sunday night promises a tactical contest rather than a one-sided spectacle.
Desert Vipers arrive with the confidence of consistency, having dominated the league stage and earned a direct route into the final. MI Emirates, meanwhile, have gathered momentum at the right time after navigating the knockout path and peaking in pressure situations. The stage is set for a tightly fought championship decider.
DV vs MIE Final – Match Details
| Match | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, ILT20 2025–26 Final |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 04 |
| Time (IST) | 8:00 PM |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Live Telecast | Zee Network |
| Live Streaming | Zee5 App and Website |
Pitch Report – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai surface has offered assistance to bowlers throughout the season, particularly spinners who enjoy grip and control in the middle overs. Batters who take time to settle have succeeded, while reckless stroke-play has often resulted in soft dismissals.
Teams chasing have generally found conditions more comfortable under lights. A disciplined bowling effort combined with smart batting can turn totals around the 160–175 range into competitive scores.
Weather Report – Dubai
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Weather | Clear skies |
| Temperature | 20°C – 23°C |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
| Humidity | Moderate |
Weather conditions are expected to remain stable throughout the evening, ensuring uninterrupted play for the final.
DV vs MIE Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | DV Wins | MIE Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
Probable Playing XIs
Desert Vipers
Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (WK), Max Holden, Sam Curran (C), Dan Lawrence, Jason Roy, Hasan Nawaz, Vritya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad
Impact Player: David Payne
MI Emirates
Muhammad Waseem, Dan Mousley, Tom Banton (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, AM Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Aayan Afzal Khan
Toss Impact
Winning the toss could prove decisive in the final. Teams opting to bowl first have enjoyed greater control at this venue, with dew assisting batting conditions later in the evening. Expect the toss-winning captain to choose fielding.
First Innings & Powerplay Expectations
| Phase | Expected Score |
|---|---|
| Powerplay (1–6 overs) | 46+ runs |
| First Innings Total | 172+ runs |
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Tom Banton, Andries Gous |
| Batters | Jason Roy, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Waseem |
| All-rounders | Sam Curran, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd |
| Bowlers | Naseem Shah, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad |
Captain Choice: Sam Curran
Vice-Captain Choice: Shakib Al Hasan
Match Prediction
While Desert Vipers have enjoyed a more dominant season, MI Emirates possess unmatched experience in finals and pressure games. Their balance across departments and ability to adapt during crunch moments gives them a slight edge.
Match Predicted Winner: MI Emirates (MIE)
Final Word
The ILT20 2025–26 final is expected to be a contest of patience, strategy, and execution. With favorable weather, a competitive surface, and two evenly matched teams, fans can look forward to a fitting conclusion to another successful season of the league.
