Dubai International Cricket Stadium [Source: @CricketSaish45/X]
This evening, Gulf Giants will take on Sharjah Warriors in the third league stage match of the ongoing ILT20 competition. The much-anticipated affair will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This will be the first game for both sides in the tournament. Gulf Giants were impressive in the ILT20 last season, qualifying for the playoffs with six wins in ten appearances. On the other hand, Sharjah Warriors had a forgettable campaign in 2024, finishing at the bottom with only eight points in ten matches.
However, considering both teams have star-studded lineups, we expect a cracking contest in this match. So, before the game begins, let's see how the surface at Dubai International Cricket Stadium will behave throughout the encounter.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In ILT20 2025
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches Played | 1 |
Matches won batting 1st | 1 |
Matches won batting 2nd | 0 |
Average 1st innings score | 133 |
Average 2nd innings score | 132 |
Average Run Rate | 6.62 |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The surface at Dubai International Cricket Stadium assisted the fast bowlers in the first game. Pacers from both sides enjoyed stellar success, rattling their opponents in the low-scoring affair. So, there could be a hint of seam movement for the new ball bowlers, so the batters should negotiate the first few overs before shifting gears.
The spinners didn't get enough turn from the pitch in the first game. So, middle-order batters and fast bowlers from both sides are expected to play crucial roles. In the ILT20 last season, the chasing sides won nine compared to only six by the teams that batted first at this venue. Also, considering the track might offer a hint of assistance to the pacers early on, the toss-winner will likely bowl first.
Players To Watch Out For At Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Shimron Hetmyer
- West Indies' renowned cricketer Shimron Hetmyer has been Gulf Giants' most successful batter at this venue in ILT20. He has struck 186 runs at a blistering strike rate of 147.61 and could be a key player for his team in this match.
Tim Southee
- Sharjah Warriors' premier pacer Tim Southee can swing the new ball up front and hence might trouble the Giants' top order if the pitch offers him a hint of movement with the new ball.
Daniel Worrall
- Daniel Worrall is a fantastic operator of the new ball and has showcased his mettle in The Hundred. If he plays, Worrall could be a valuable asset for Gulf Giants, particularly in the powerplay.
P.S: Apart from the aforementioned players, the eyes will be on Jordan Cox, Tom Curran, Adam Milne, Dilshan Madushanka and Karim Janat (all players subject to availability and participation).