Match Details:
- Match: Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers (GG vs DV), 5th Match, ILT20 2024-25
- Date & Time: January 14, 2025, 02:30 pm GMT / 08:00 pm IST / 6:30 pm Local Time
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Live Stream: ZEE Network TV
Match Preview:
The Gulf Giants (GG) will lock horns with the Desert Vipers (DV) in the 5th match of the International League T20 2024-25 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have shown contrasting fortunes in the league so far, making this encounter a pivotal one for both sides.
In their last ILT20 meeting, the Desert Vipers dominated the Gulf Giants with a comfortable 6-wicket victory. Batting first, the Giants set a target of 160, which the Vipers chased down with ease. The Gulf Giants will be looking to bounce back and claim their first win against the Desert Vipers.
Team Analysis:
Gulf Giants:
The Giants are struggling to find consistency, having suffered a narrow loss against the Sharjah Warriors in their last game. Their batting unit is led by Rehan Ahmed, who scored a solid 46 in their previous outing, and skipper James Vince, who needs to lead from the front. The bowling, spearheaded by Tim Southee, showed glimpses of promise but lacked the edge to defend their total effectively.
Desert Vipers:
The Desert Vipers come into this match with a morale-boosting win over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. With Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran in sublime form, their batting lineup looks formidable. Their bowling, featuring stars like Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Amir, adds depth and firepower. The team will rely on their balanced squad to continue their winning momentum.
Key Players to Watch:
- Gulf Giants: James Vince, Tim Southee, Shimron Hetmyer
- Desert Vipers: Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, Wanindu Hasaranga
Possible Playing XI:
Gulf Giants:
Jamie Smith (wk), James Vince (c), Jordan Cox, Tim David, Shimron Hetmyer, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, Chris Jordan, Dominic Drakes, Aayan Afzal Khan, Muhammad Zuhaib
Desert Vipers:
Alex Hales, Fakhar Zaman, Bas de Leede, Sherfane Rutherford, Azam Khan, Dan Lawrence, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, David Payne
Head-to-Head Records:
- Overall Matches: 2 – GG Won: 0, DV Won: 2
- Recent Matches: 2 – GG Won: 0, DV Won: 2
Fantasy Cricket Tips:
- Captain: Sam Curran
- Vice-Captain: James Vince
- Key Picks:
- Batsmen: Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Dan Lawrence
- All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
Toss Prediction:
The team winning the toss is likely to field first, considering the conditions at Dubai International Cricket Stadium favor chasing teams with dew potentially coming into play.
Prediction:
The Desert Vipers are favorites to win this contest, given their recent form and balance in the squad. However, if the Gulf Giants’ top order fires and their bowlers execute plans effectively, they could give the Vipers a tough fight.
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