Desert Vipers will face the Dubai Capitals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on February 3 [Source: @thecricketgully/X.com]
The Desert Vipers are preparing to face off against the Dubai Capitals for the second time in the ILT20 2025. The highly anticipated match is slated for February 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Fans can tune in to catch the live action, set to begin at 8:00 PM IST.
Desert Vipers
The Desert Vipers are rolling with confidence in ILT20 and with 7 wins out of 9 matches, they've got some serious momentum going. Their recent games have been exciting to watch, especially that 8-wicket win over the Warriorz and a solid 5-wicket victory against the Giants. They’ve struck a great balance between batting and bowling, and they're now aiming for a revenge win against the Capitals in the upcoming clash.
Dubai Capitals
The Dubai Capitals have had a bit of an up-and-down season so far, managing to snag 4 wins out of 8 matches. They've had some exciting moments, like that nail-biting 1-run victory over MI Emirates and a solid 6-wicket win against the Vipers. On the flip side, they've also faced some tough losses, including a hefty defeat against Warriorz by 9 wickets. Their net run rate isn’t looking great, so they really need to step up their game in the next match against the Desert Vipers, whom they’re hoping to take down for the second time.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In ILT20 2025
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches Played | 6 |
Matches Won Batting 1st | 0 |
Matches Won Bowling 1st | 6 |
Average 1st Innings Score | 170 |
Average 2nd Innings Score | 171 |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has earned a reputation as a paradise for batters, and this tournament has proved no different. With short boundaries and a flat playing surface, high scores are well within reach, as evidenced by the average first-innings score of around 170 in ILT20 2025.
On this pitch, fast bowlers will need to be strategic with the new ball, while spinners must maintain tight lines to avoid conceding runs. Notably, all six matches held at this venue in ILT20 2025 have been won by teams chasing, suggesting that winning the toss could be a decisive factor. Hence, captains are likely to opt to bowl first to chase down the target in the second half.
Players To Watch Out For At Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Shai Hope
- Shai Hope's consistency with the bat will be crucial on Sharjah's flat pitch, where high scores are common. His ability to build innings and play anchor roles, as seen with his strike rate of 130.69, will help stabilize the team during challenging phases.
- His experience in chasing down totals can prove valuable, especially given the venue's trend of successful chases.
Sam Curran
- Sam Curran’s all-round performance, with both the bat and ball, makes him a key figure in Sharjah. His adaptability to both pace and spin will be vital on a surface that favours aggressive batting.
- Curran's skill at breaking partnerships, combined with his ability to contribute with the bat, makes him a match-winner on a high-scoring ground like Sharjah.
Gulbadin Naib
- Gulbadin Naib's explosive batting style and ability to accelerate the game make him a valuable asset at Sharjah. His strike rate of 149.30 is perfect for taking advantage of the short boundaries and high-scoring potential of the stadium.
- With his experience in both batting and bowling, Naib can play a pivotal role in turning the game in the middle overs.