MIE vs DC Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For Match 4 Of ILT20 2025
Gulbadin Naib and Nicholas Pooran are among the top choices as fantasy team captains [Source: @MIEmirates, ILT20Official/X.com]
MI Emirates will be facing the Dubai Capitals for the second time in the ILT20 2025 season at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match is scheduled for January 13 at 8:00 PM IST where fans can expect a fiery encounter between the two finalists of the 2024 season.
MI Emirates, one of the premier teams in the ILT20, entered the 2025 season with high aspirations after snatching the ILT20 2024 trophy from the Dubai Capitals. However, Dubai Capitals seemed to have regained control as they defeated MIE in the opening match of the 2025 season in a nail-biting 1-run win.
Led by Sikandar Raza, the Dubai Capitals have secured a net run rate of +0.050 and stand at the top of the table as the rest of the teams are yet to clash. However, riding on a winning note, the Capitals will aim to dominate the Emirates again in their second encounter on January 13.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium - Pitch Report For Match 4 of ILT20 2025
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is a pretty balanced pitch for a match, with both batters and bowlers likely to have their moments. Fast bowlers could see some early movement with the new ball, especially towards the end of the innings. The pitch is usually good for runs, showing even bounce and pace, but as the game goes on, the drier surface might give spinners a bit of an edge.
It's worth noting that scoring can get trickier in the later stages of the innings here. So, it wouldn't be surprising if the team that wins the toss opts to bat first.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For MIE vs DC
3) Fazalhaq Farooqi
Why Fazalhaq Farooqi Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Key Wicket-Taker: Fazalhaq Farooqi is an ideal candidate for captain in fantasy cricket due to his consistent wicket-taking ability in all formats. His recent performances, including a spectacular 5/9 in a T20I, make him a key player in any fantasy team. With a strike rate of 17.07 in T20Is and 33.00 in ODIs, Farooqi can deliver multiple breakthroughs in a match, with the most recent one being against the Emirates with his 5-16 figure.
Economical and Consistent Performer: Farooqi’s consistency with the ball, particularly his ability to control the game and restrict opposition scoring, makes him a valuable choice. His economy rate of 6.71 in T20Is and 5.78 in ODIs reflects his skill in maintaining pressure on the batting side. Hence, Farooqi’s ability to deliver solid returns with both wickets and economy makes him a dependable option for fantasy teams.
2) Gulbadin Naib
Why Gulbadin Naib Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
All-Round Impact: Gulbadin Naib is an excellent choice for captain or vice-captain in fantasy cricket due to his all-round abilities. With a strong record in both batting and bowling, Naib can contribute across the board, accumulating fantasy points in multiple ways. His recent form, including an impressive 3/13 performance against MIE, cements his candidature.
Consistent and Experienced Performer: Naib’s experience across various formats, including ODIs, T20Is, and leagues like the Abu Dhabi T10, adds to his reliability as a fantasy pick. His economy rate of 5.55 in ODIs and 7.95 in T20Is underlines his ability to keep the opposition in check while also claiming wickets. Despite his fluctuating performances in leagues like IPL and BPL, his proven ability to deliver solid returns with the ball and the bat makes him a dependable vice-captain choice.
1) Nicholas Pooran
Why Nicholas Pooran Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Explosive Batting Power: Nicholas Pooran is an ideal choice for fantasy cricket due to his explosive batting prowess, particularly in T20 formats. With a career strike rate of 145.66 in T20 cricket and a remarkable 162.29 in the IPL, Pooran has the ability to score quickly and change the course of a match. His recent form, including a blistering 61 off 40 balls in the MIE vs DC match, showcases his potential to rack up big scores. Pooran's ability to hit boundaries consistently, demonstrated by his 149 sixes and 152 fours in T20Is, makes him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
Clutch Player: In addition to his aggressive batting, Pooran has shown consistency in various leagues and formats with his ability to pull teams out of precarious situations. With over 3000 runs in T20 cricket and an average of 29.12 in the format, he brings valuable experience to the table. Pooran's recent performances in international cricket, including a solid 72* off 33 balls in the Abu Dhabi league, highlight his ability to contribute significantly in high-pressure situations, making him an ideal choice for a fantasy captain or vice-captain.