ILT20 2024 Match 26, GUL vs EMI | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

GG Vs MIE (X.com)

In an arguably final attempt to stay alive in the playoffs race, defending champions Gulf Giants will clash with the formidable MI Emirates in match 26 of the ongoing ILT20 season. The high-stake matchup will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday from 8.00 PM IST onwards. 

GUL vs EMI: Team Previews

Gulf Giants

Defending champions, the Gulf Giants, have resurrected playoff hopes with two back-to-back thumping wins. After handing a humiliating 79-run defeat to Sharjah Warriors, the Giants triumphed against Dubai Capitals in a low-scoring thriller on Tuesday. 

Batting first, the Giants suffered a disastrous collapse as four top-order batters were sent back to the hunt inside the powerplay with a mere 17 runs on the board. Due to a lack of solid foundation and late partnerships, Gulf Giants posted a lowly total of 129 runs on board.

While Dubai Capitals were the favourite to win, brainless batting and two comical run-outs turned the tables. The Capitals lost openers early as skipper David Warner delivered yet another shocking performance. 

The rest of the pack also succumbed to pressure, and the entire team was bowled out for 107 runs inside ten overs.

While it was a questionable loss for the Capitals, the Giants fetched two crucial points to keep their playoff boat afloat.

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MI Emirates

MI Emirates has nearly been invincible this ILT20 season. They qualified for the playoffs and currently hold the top position on the points table with 12 points added to their tally.

Emirates' key strength has been their formidable bowling lineup this season. Trent Boult has been a perfect leader, with the likes of Fazal Farooqi and Akeal Hosein stepping to the occasion.

In the batting department, MI Emirates made the most of Kusal Perera and Nicholas Pooran's experience and firepower. 

It's safe to say the Emirates totally deserve the top spot, as they have been consistently clinical with the bat as well as the bowl. Having said that, it's important for the Emirates to keep the momentum going and finish the league stage campaign on a high. 

GUL vs EMI: Match Details & Live Streaming

GUL vs EMI: Dubai Pitch Report

The pitch of Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been notorious and unpredictable this ILT20 season. While it produced high-scoring matches on some days, the track has deteriorated for batters since the past week. 

Thus, we expect another low-scoring fixture at this venue on Thursday. Bowling first could be a wise choice, as spinners will likely dominate the matchup. Anything above 160 runs is a winning total on this surface.

GUL vs EMI: Probable Playing XIs

Gulf Giants:  Jamie Smith (wk), James Vince (c), Chris Lynn, Jordan Cox, Shimron Hetmyer, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, Chris Jordan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Dominic Drakes, Zuhaib Zubair

MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Kusal Perera, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Ambati Rayudu, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Waqar Salamkheil

GUL vs EMI: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

GUL vs EMI: Winner Prediction

Undoubtedly, MI Emirates are most likely favourites to win this contest against the Gulf Giants, who are struggling to qualify for the playoffs this year. While stakes are high for the Giants, MI's bowling lineup could stand in the way of Gulf's playoff hopes.

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