The Gulf Giants are set to clash with the MI Emirates on January 31, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a pivotal match of the  International League T20 (ILT20) 2025. The Giants currently sit fifth in the league standings with three wins and five losses, desperately seeking to keep their playoff hopes alive after a disappointing recent defeat against the Desert Vipers. In that match, their batting lineup faltered dramatically, collapsing to 61/8 before finishing at just 129 runs.
On the other hand, the MI Emirates are in a stronger position, sitting second with three wins from six matches and a positive net run rate of 0.189. They come into this match on the back of a resounding victory against the Desert Vipers, where Tom Banton‘s impressive century led them to a massive win by 154 runs. Key players for the Giants include captain James Vince, who is just 38 runs shy of reaching 1000 runs in ILT20, and Tom Curran, who was instrumental despite the team’s overall collapse in their last outing. For the Emirates, captain Nicholas Pooran will be crucial for their batting strength, while Banton’s recent form makes him a player to watch closely.
Match Details: ILT20 2025, Match 26
- Date and time:Â January 31, 02:30 pm GMT/ 08:00 pm IST/ 06:30 pm local
- Venue:Â Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is anticipated to provide a well-balanced contest for the upcoming match between the Gulf Giants and MI Emirates. Historically, spinners have found success here, claiming a significant number of wickets, while fast bowlers have had a lesser impact. The pitch tends to be slow, which can make it difficult for batters to time their shots, particularly in the afternoon heat. However, conditions typically improve under lights, allowing for better stroke play. Teams batting second enjoy a distinct advantage, as they have a higher win rate when chasing totals. Overall, both teams will need to adapt their strategies to the pitch conditions to succeed in this encounter.
GG vs MIE Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicket-keepers:Â Nicholas Pooran, Tom Banton
- Batters:Â Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer
- All-rounders: Mark Adair, Aayan Afzal Khan
- Bowlers: Chris Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Fazalhaq Farooqi
GG vs MIE Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
- Choice 1:Â Shimron Hetmyer (c), Tom Banton (vc)
- Choice 2:Â Fazalhaq Farooqi (c), James Vince (vc)
Also WATCH: Tom Curran vs Sam Curran: A thrilling brotherly showdown in ILT20 2025
GG vs MIE Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Blessing Muzarabani, Dipendra Singh Airee, Andre Fletcher, Fareed Ahmad Malik
GG vs MIE Dream11 Team for today’s match (January 31, 02:30 pm GMT):
Squads:
Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zuhaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, and Shimron Hetmyer, Adam Lyth, Dominic Drakes, Daniel Worrall, Dushan Hemantha, Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair, Ollie Robinson, Tim David, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills, Muhammad Saghir Khan, Muhammad Uzair Khan, Wahidullah Zadran
MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Kusal Perera, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Kieron Pollard, Dan Mousley, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheil, Alzarri Joseph, Aryan Lakra, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Thomas Draca, Nosthush Kenjige, Andre Fletcher, Fareed Ahmad Malik, AM Ghazanfar, Ben Charlesworth, Jordan Thompson