Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @ACBofficials/x.com]
Gulf Giants will be up against Dubai Capitals in Match 10 of the International League T20 2025 on Saturday, January 18 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Both sides are reeling from recent losses and will be eager to turn things around.
Gulf Giants
Gulf Giants are off to a rocky start this season, losing both of their opening matches. Their last game against Desert Vipers was a forgettable outing, as they could only muster 119/9. Skipper James Vince was a lone warrior, playing a gritty unbeaten 76, but the rest of the lineup crumbled like a house of cards.
With the ball, Mark Adair showed tried his best by grabbing two wickets, but defending such a low total was a Herculean task. The Giants are desperate for a win to inject some life into their campaign and will look to bring their A-game to the table.
Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals started the tournament on a high with a narrow one-run win but stumbled in their second outing. Chasing a huge target of 188 against MI Emirates, they fell short by 26 runs. Shai Hope was the only bright sport as he smashed a brilliant 101, but his heroics weren’t enough as the rest of the batting lineup failed to step up.
On the bowling front, Gulbadin Naib was the pick of the bowlers with 3/13, while Olly Stone chipped in with two wickets. The Capitals need their middle-order and bowlers to deliver as a unit to get back on the winning track.
Ahead of the clash, here's a detailed look ath the pitch report:
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In T20s
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches Played | 59 |
Matches Won Batting 1st | 34 |
Matches Won Bowling 1st | 25 |
Average 1st Innings Score | 139 |
Average 2nd Innings Score | 117 |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: : Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch is a batter’s delight, especially when it’s fresh. Known for high-scoring games, this venue often sees batters dominate with its short boundaries. With this being the second game of the season at Sharjah, a fresh wicket is expected to be even more batter-friendly.
Spinners might come into play as the game progresses, but the wicket should remain conducive for batting. While teams batting first have often won here on used wickets, the fresh surface might tilt the balance in favour of chasing. Captains winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and exploit the batting-friendly conditions.
Players To Watch Out For At Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Shai Hope
- Shai Hope has been an absolute rock for the Capitals. In just two matches, he’s racked up 110 runs, and that includes a jaw-dropping century in the last game. The way he paced his innings against MI Emirates was a masterclass in batting under pressure.
- With a strike rate of 144.73, he isn’t just about steady knocks; he knows how to shift gears and take on the bowlers when needed. Hope is the kind of player who can hold one end and let the others bat around him, a quality every team needs in crunch situations. If he gets going, the Giants' bowlers are in for a tough time.
Gulbadin Naib
- When it comes to all-rounders who can change the game, Gulbadin Naib is right up there. He’s been the Capitals’ go-to man with the ball, picking up six wickets in just two games. His 3/13 in the last match was a perfect example of his ability to deliver under pressure.
- What makes him even more valuable is his knack for bowling in the tough overs: whether it’s the powerplay or at the death. He’s not just about containing runs; he knows how to pick up crucial wickets.
James Vince
- James Vince has been the shining light in what’s been a forgettable season for the Giants so far. In two matches, he’s scored 79 runs, and his unbeaten 76 in the last game was nothing short of a masterclass.
- Vince’s timing and placement are something else, he doesn’t just hit the ball; he caresses it to the boundary. He’s been holding the Giants’ batting together while the rest of the lineup has struggled. Vince has this calmness about him, a kind of assurance that rubs off on the team. If the Giants want to break their losing streak, Vince will have to step up again and lead from the front.