Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report For ADKR vs DC ILT20 2025 Match
Sheikh Zayed Stadium to host match between ADKR and DC [Source: @RexClementine/X.com]
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are going to face Dubai Capitals in the 20th match of ILT20 2025 season. The match would take place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on January 26 from 3.30 PM IST.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will look to maintain their momentum after a dominant victory over MI Emirates, where they posted a massive 182 and restricted the opposition to just 140/6, winning by 42 runs.
Key players like Jason Holder and the emerging talent Alishan Sharafu have played a vital role in the victory, which speaks volumes of the depth ADKR has. The UAE batter Sharafu, in particular, has been a standout, and if he continues his form, he could be invaluable to the team’s campaign.
Dubai Capitals
Meanwhile, Dubai Capitals have a tough task ahead of them, especially with a heavy toss bias in favour of the team batting first. Even though ADKR has played well, DC will be looking to bounce back.
Rovman Powell's experience at No. 5 is crucial for Dubai, but the team’s recent struggles with batting positions and lack of consistency are areas of concern. Apart from Shai Hope, other top-order batters must take some responsibility. Gulbadin Naib’s all-rounder performance is crucial, though consistency is again an issue for him.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Stats And Records In ILT20 2025
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches Played | 5 |
Matches Won Batting 1st | 4 |
Matches Won Bowling 1st | 1 |
Average 1st Innings Score | 178.5 |
Average 2nd Innings Score | 168 |
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch has been a batting paradise, especially in the first innings. Though pacers will gain some movement with the ball, batters will dominate the proceedings for most part of the game. So far in the ILT20 2025 season, four of the five games have been won by the team batting first.
Hence, the toss will be a critical factor in the game. Anything above 180 is a par total as the pitch has favoured the spinners in the second inning. Dew might settle in the second half. However, it won’t be a significant factor to alter the end result of the game.
Players to watch out for at Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Shai Hope
- Shai Hope has been the leading run-scorer of the ILT20 2025 season. In 6 games, he has scored 260 runs with an impressive average of 52.00.
- Moreover, in the previous game, he slammed crucial 47 runs to help the Capitals secure a 5-wicket victory. Hence, the pitch at Abu Dhabi will suit his strengths which makes him a player to watch out for.
Jason Holder
- Jason Holder has made a deep impression with the ball this ILT20 2025 season as he has taken 12 wickets in 6 games.
- Holder is a seasoned all-rounder who can make an impact in both innings. An experienced all-rounder, Holder would be able to create an impact for his team in both innings, given his experience and prominent form with the ball.
Gulbadin Naib
- Gulbadin Naib has also been quite promising as all-rounder in the ILT20 2025 season. He scored 130 runs and scalped 8 wickets in 6 games.
- Naib also led the Capitals to a single-handed victory in a previous contest. Hence, the Abu Dhabi wicket will suit his strengths and his all-round brilliance makes him a player to watch out for.