Published on: Dec 29, 2025 8:05 pm IST | Updated on: Dec 29, 2025 5:45 pm IST
We are into the business end of the ILT20 2025-26. It’s time for the first qualifier, wherein the top two sides on the points table will be colliding against each other. The table toppers, Desert Vipers, in a quest to win their first ILT20 title, will be squaring off against the second edition winners, MI Emirates. The winner of this game will directly head into the final, whereas the loser will get a lifeline by playing in the second qualifier against the winner of the eliminator. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the Qualifier 1 match of ILT20 2025, DV vs MIE at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The Desert Vipers and MI Emirates have played some really good cricket. The two teams couldn’t be separated in the two group matches, as both managed to win a game each. Heading into this crucial fixture, Desert Vipers should have the upper hand as MI Emirates are missing some of their important stars who are playing in SA20. Therefore, the win probability meter should lean in favor of the Vipers. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the Qualifier 1 match of ILT20 2025, DV vs MIE at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
MIE: 46% win chance DV: 54% win chance
The left-hand Englishman has been the batter to watch out for Vipers. He is the highest run-getter in the tournament so far with 318 runs from 10 innings.
The Vipers skipper has been their mainstay in both batting and bowling. He has scored 267 runs from 9 innings and has scalped 7 wickets.
The UAE skipper has emerged as the leading run-getter for MI Emirates this season. The right-hand batter has 293 runs to his name from 10 innings so far.
The English batter has amassed 193 runs so far from 10 innings in this season. In the absence of Bairstow, Banton has been opening the innings for MIE.
Check out our prediction for the DV vs MIE Qualifier 1 of ILT20 2025.
The Desert Vipers head into the first qualifier of the ILT20 2025-26 with momentum and opportunity firmly on their side. As table toppers, they have been the most consistent outfit this season and now stand just one win away from securing a direct berth in the grand final. Their opponents, MI Emirates, are the second edition champions, but they arrive at this crucial stage weakened by the absence of several key stars currently engaged in the SA20.
This lack of star power could tilt the balance in favor of the Vipers, who boast a well-rounded squad with depth in both batting and bowling. Their top order has consistently delivered strong starts, while the bowlers have shown the ability to adapt to different conditions and choke opposition lineups. Against a depleted Emirates side, the Vipers will look to seize control early and maintain pressure throughout.
With the stakes at their highest, the Vipers know this is their golden chance to break through and reach their maiden ILT20 final. If they can capitalize on MI Emirates’ vulnerabilities, the path to their first title will look clearer than ever.
MI Emirates head into the first qualifier of the ILT20 2025-26 riding a wave of confidence, having stitched together five consecutive victories. Their campaign has gathered momentum at the perfect time, with both batting and bowling units firing in unison to deliver complete performances. The defending champions have showcased depth in their squad, with contributions coming from all corners, ensuring they remain a formidable force despite missing a few stars to SA20 commitments.
Their batting has been anchored by consistent top-order runs, while the middle order has provided stability and finishing power. On the bowling front, the attack has struck early and maintained pressure throughout, making it difficult for opponents to recover. This balance has been the hallmark of their winning streak.
As they prepare to face table-toppers Desert Vipers in the high-stakes qualifier, MI Emirates will be eager to extend their run and secure a direct ticket to the final. Another complete performance here would not only add to their tally of five wins on the trot but also reinforce their reputation as a side that thrives under pressure and knows how to deliver when it matters most. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 4 DV won: 2 MIE won: 2 No Result: 0 RECENT form MI EMIRATES: W W W W W RECENT form DESERT VIPERS: W L W L W
It’s been a pretty competitive rivalry between MI Emirates and Desert Vipers. The two sides have collided against each other 4 times in the history of the league and have 2 wins each to their name.
How will the two teams, i.e., Desert Vipers and MI Emirates, fare in the 9th match of the ILT20 2025? Let’s take a look.
Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton (WK), Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kieron Pollard (C), Shakib Al Hasan, Dan Mousley, Romario Shepherd, Arab Gul Momand, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi (IMPACT PLAYER: Andre Fletcher)
Max Holden, Andries Gous (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran (C), Jason Roy, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, David Payne, Qais Ahmad (IMPACT PLAYER: Fakhar Zaman)
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the Qualifier 1 match of IPLT20 2025 between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Toss Prediction
The toss at Sheikh Zayed Stadium will be crucial. With dew expected later, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first, aiming to chase under lights. Batting remains easier in the second innings, making chasing sides historically more successful in Abu Dhabi night matches.
The online live streaming of the first qualifier match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 will take place live on the Zee 5 App. The live TV coverage for this series will be available across Zee Network channels- (&Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai SD, and Zee Cinemalu)
Desert Vipers enter Qualifier 1 with strong batting depth and consistent middle-order performers, while MI Emirates rely heavily on their experienced top order. Given Abu Dhabi’s chasing advantage and Vipers’ balanced spin attack, they hold a slight edge. Expect a close contest, but Desert Vipers look better placed to win. Therefore, as per our prediction, the Desert Vipers are expected to win the DV vs MIE Qualifier 1 match of ILT20 2025.
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