Desert Vipers to face Dubai Capitals in Qualifier 1 of ILT20 2025 [Source: @Dubai_Capitals/X.com]
The ILT20 2025 season has entered its blockbuster playoff stage. For Qualifier 1, Desert Vipers will face off against Dubai Capitals on February 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium starting from 8.00 PM IST.
Desert Vipers
Desert Vipers topped the points table with 14 points at the end of the league stage of the ILT20 2025 season. In their previous clash, the Vipers were humbled by Dubai Capitals. Following an abysmal batting performance, the Vipers managed to put only 137 runs on the board.
In response, Shai Hope and Gulbadin Nair slammed a fifty each to bring up a 100+ run partnership, leading to a 9-wicket dominant win. Regardless, the Desert Vipers’ overall season form and right squad balance will boost them with confidence ahead of the big clash.
Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals not only qualified for the playoffs but also finished second on the points table after beating Desert Vipers by 9 wickets in the last league game of the season. The Capitals had a new hero in the last game, Qais Ahmad. He picked 4 wickets to restrict Vipers to 137-run total.
On the other hand, Hope and Naib extended their sublime form to ensure a dominant victory. Overall, the Dubai Capitals’ form has picked up the pace lately with the likes of Hope, Naib and Chameera being match-winners. Hence, ahead of Qualifier 1, the Capitals appear equally strong.
DV vs DC: Head to head in ILT20
Matches Played | Desert Vipers Won | Dubai Capitals Won | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
How will the Dubai pitch behave?
The Dubai pitch is a paradise for batters, particularly in the second innings. While bowlers may find some assistance early on, the wicket tends to flatten out, giving batters the upper hand as the game progresses. In the ILT20 2025 season, 9 games have been won by teams batting second out of the 15 total matchups. Therefore, the captain winning the toss would most likely bowl first.
Players to watch out for in DV vs DC Qualifier 1
Desert Vipers
Wanindu Hasaranga: The star spinner of Sri Lanka is the top wicket-taker for the Vipers and has been quite dependable with the ball. He will likely play a huge role in the upcoming game.
Alex Hales: He is the leading run-scorer for Desert Vipers and ranks 6th overall in the league. He had two fifties this season and has got 286 runs with an average of 35.75.
Sam Curran: Another key all-rounder who has amassed 267 runs with 9 innings with a healthy strike rate of 121.92. He can also pick wickets and chip in some economical spells.
Dubai Capitals
Shai Hope: Being the league's highest run-scorer, Hope has provided match-winning performances for Dubai Capitals time and again. Hope has scored 467 runs in 10 games with a 66.71 average with one century and three fifties.
Gulbadin Naib: The aggressive approach of the Afghan top-order batter has been giving his team a solid platform. In the last 10 matches, Gulbadin has made 314 runs and scalped 9 wickets, maintaining an astronomical strike rate of 158.58.
Dushmantha Chameera: The pacer has been in sublime form with 12 wickets in the ILT20 2025 season. His impact with the new ball is something the Capitals will bank on.
Today's Match Prediction: DV vs DC Qualifier 1
Predicted Top Performers
Dubai Capitals: Shai Hope, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib
Desert Vipers: Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales
DV vs DC Qualifier 1: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 160-170
Predicted second innings score: 170-175
Predicted Result: The team batting second will likely have the upper hand in this match.