Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga are two of the top choices for fantasy team captains [Source: @TheDesertVipers/X.com]
The Desert Vipers are all set to face the Sharjah Warriors for their second match in ILT20 2025. The 18th match is set for January 25 and will be hosted by the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. The live-action will commence at 3:30 PM IST.
The Desert Vipers have shown impressive form in the ongoing competition, winning five out of their six matches so far. With a commanding victory over the Warriors in their latest encounter, where they won by 10 wickets with 60 balls to spare, the Vipers have demonstrated their dominance. Their only defeat came at the hands of Dubai Capitals, who won by 6 wickets. The Vipers have been a well-rounded team, with consistent contributions across both batting and bowling and will look to continue their strong run in the upcoming matches.
The Sharjah Warriors secured two wins and suffered three losses in the tournament so far. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Desert Vipers, who dominated the Warriors with a 10-wicket victory, leaving the Warriors with a lot to reflect on. Despite their early setback against the Vipers, the Warriors have shown resilience, having previously defeated teams like the Giants and DC. As they prepare for the upcoming clash, the Warriors will need to regroup and bounce back with a stronger performance to stay competitive in the tournament.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium - Pitch Report For Match 18 of ILT20 2025
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is renowned for its batter-friendly nature, with short boundaries contributing to high-scoring encounters. The pitch for the upcoming game is expected to offer excellent batting conditions, allowing batters to freely express themselves. While spin may become a factor later in the game, the initial overs are likely to favour aggressive batting. Hence, the toss-winning captain would likely choose to bat first.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For SWR vs DV
3) Lockie Ferguson
Why Will Lockie Ferguson Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Lockie Ferguson is an excellent choice for Captain or Vice-captain in fantasy teams, particularly for his recent form and ability to exploit favourable conditions. His performances in the ongoing competition have been impressive, including key wickets at crucial moments, his best being a 3-wicket haul against GG and 2-wicket performances against DC and MIE.
Ferguson's ability to bowl economical spells, especially in the death overs, adds immense value, making him a potent threat for opposition teams. His recent form, combined with his knack for taking wickets when needed, makes him a reliable option on the Sharjah pitch for fantasy team captain.
2) Wanindu Hasaranga
Why Wanindu Hasaranga Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Wanindu Hasaranga is a strong choice for Captain or Vice-captain in fantasy teams due to his recent form and consistent, economical bowling. He has proven himself as a key performer, with his best performance coming in the match against Sharjah Warriors, where he took 3 wickets for just 10 runs.
In his last five matches of ILT20, Hasaranga has maintained an impressive economy rate of 5.32, highlighting his ability to control the game and keep the opposition's scoring in check. His wicket-taking ability, particularly in crucial moments, makes him a good choice as a fantasy captain who can rack up key points later in the game for the team.
1) Sam Curran
Why Sam Curran Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Sam Curran is an excellent choice for Captain or Vice-captain in fantasy teams due to his impressive all-round skills, both with the bat and ball. His recent form reflects consistency, as he has been an economical bowler with a solid economy rate of 7.22 in T20s, including a standout performance of 2 wickets for 14 runs against Warriors.
With the bat, Curran has been equally reliable, scoring 158 runs in 5 innings at an average of 52.67 and a strike rate of 113.67. His ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game ensures he racks up valuable fantasy points, making him a must-have option for fantasy team captains.