MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants Prediction: Who Will Win 3rd T20 ILT20 Match on 4th December 2025?
The excitement continues in Season 4 of the ILT20 as MI Emirates and Gulf Giants prepare to lock horns in the third match of the tournament. Fans have been eagerly searching for an accurate and detailed MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction, and this fixture promises high-quality entertainment featuring world-class T20 stars. Scheduled for Thursday, 4th December 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, this match brings together two teams with contrasting journeys from the previous season. MI Emirates, who finished third in the group stage, showed tremendous consistency and match awareness, while Gulf Giants struggled for rhythm and ended second from bottom with only four wins from ten games.
Both teams enter the new season with revamped combinations and fresh strategies. MI Emirates boast an explosive batting order with the likes of Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran, and Muhammad Waseem—players known for their aggressive shot-making and high strike rates. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi, remains one of the most threatening in the league. Gulf Giants, on the other hand, rely heavily on James Vince, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Pathum Nissanka to provide solidity at the top. Their bowling features Blessing Muzarabani and Mark Adair, who bring pace, bounce, and wicket-taking ability.
With both teams featuring big hitters, T20 specialists, and match-winning all-rounders, this encounter is expected to be tightly contested. The Dubai surface typically favours chasing teams, adding another layer of strategy when analyzing this MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction. Here’s the full match breakdown, team preview, fantasy picks, head-to-head insights, pitch/weather report, and final winner prediction.
- MI Emirates have won 3 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings.
- Gulf Giants rely heavily on James Vince, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Blessing Muzarabani.
- Dubai surface strongly favours teams chasing.
- MI Emirates enter as favourites due to squad balance and superior recent form.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | MIE vs GG, 3rd T20 ILT20 2025 |
| Date | Thursday, December 4th, 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
Gulf Giants Team Preview
Gulf Giants enter Season 4 of the ILT20 with renewed motivation after a challenging previous season where they managed just four wins. Their squad looks noticeably more balanced this time around, with quality additions in both batting and bowling departments. The presence of James Vince, one of the most reliable T20 anchors, offers stability at the top. Vince scored 260 runs last season at a strike rate of 138, and the team will rely heavily on his ability to rotate strike and bat deep into the innings.
Pathum Nissanka adds further class to the batting unit. Known for his consistency and ability to play spin well, Nissanka has two T20 centuries and nearly thirty fifties, making him a valuable asset in the powerplay overs. Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz bring power and aggression to the middle order. Gurbaz, who has been in striking form recently, is expected to attack early and shift momentum quickly.
In the all-round department, Moeen Ali and Aayan Khan provide flexibility in both innings. Moeen’s off-spin and explosive batting complement Aayan’s controlled spin approach. Kyle Mayers adds left-handed balance and impactful hitting.
Blessing Muzarabani is once again the leader of the bowling attack. His height and bounce make him a tricky customer on Dubai surfaces. Mark Adair or Nuwan Thushara will likely partner him with the new ball. Liam Dawson further strengthens the spin unit.
Overall, Gulf Giants have greater depth than last season. However, they must start strong early, especially against a well-settled MI Emirates squad.
Gulf Giants Predicted XI:
James Vince (c), Pathum Nissanka, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Moeen Ali, Aayan Khan, Liam Dawson, Blessing Muzarabani, Mark Adair/Nuwan Thushara, Kyle Mayers, Gerhard Erasmus
MI Emirates Team Preview
MI Emirates have built a reputation for strong starts, balanced squads, and explosive batting, and they enter Season 4 as one of the tournament favourites. Their biggest strength lies in their star-studded batting lineup. Tom Banton, the second-highest run scorer last season, hammered 493 runs at a superb strike rate of 152. His ability to dominate inside the powerplay makes him a key weapon once again.
Nicholas Pooran, one of the most destructive left-handers in world T20 cricket, scored 301 runs at a strike rate of 160 last year. His ability to turn games within a few balls makes him indispensable. Jonny Bairstow provides experience and versatility, while Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem offer finishing power. Waseem, in particular, has been in incredible form, smashing 187 international sixes for UAE.
MI Emirates’ all-rounders add immense depth. Kieron Pollard, the captain, brings finishing strength, tactical awareness, and medium-pace bowling when required. Romario Shepherd contributes with late-order hitting and wicket-taking spells.
The bowling unit is one of the strongest in the competition. Fazalhaq Farooqi returns after topping the team’s wicket charts with 21 wickets in 11 matches. His ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers makes him lethal. Naveen-ul-Haq provides variation through slower balls and cutters, while AM Ghazanfar offers mystery spin.
The Emirates side look settled, dangerous, and ready to build momentum early.
MI Emirates Predicted XI:
Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Kieron Pollard (c), Jonny Bairstow, Andre Fletcher, Romario Shepherd, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid, Naveen-ul-Haq, AM Ghazanfar
Team Squad
MI Emirates Squad
Pollard (c), Pooran, Waseem, Bairstow, Banton, Shepherd, Fletcher, Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ghazanfar, Rohid, others.
Gulf Giants Squad
Vince (c), Gurbaz, Nissanka, Omarzai, Mayers, Muzarabani, Dawson, Aayan Khan, Adair, Erasmus, Moeen Ali, others.
Probable Playing XI
| MI Emirates | Gulf Giants |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem | James Vince (c) |
| Tom Banton | Pathum Nissanka |
| Jonny Bairstow | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Kieron Pollard (c) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) |
| Andre Fletcher | Moeen Ali |
| Romario Shepherd | Aayan Khan |
| Nicholas Pooran (wk) | Liam Dawson |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Blessing Muzarabani |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Mark Adair/Nuwan Thushara |
| Muhammad Rohid | Kyle Mayers |
| AM Ghazanfar | Gerhard Erasmus |
MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Nicholas Pooran |
| BAT | Tom Banton, James Vince, Muhammad Waseem |
| ALL | Kieron Pollard, Kyle Mayers, Azmatullah Omarzai |
| BOWL | Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Blessing Muzarabani, Liam Dawson |
This fantasy XI is built around top-order run scorers, proven all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers. Nicholas Pooran is selected as wicketkeeper due to his destructive batting and consistent scoring ability in UAE conditions. Tom Banton and Muhammad Waseem provide aggressive starts, while James Vince adds stability and the potential to anchor the innings.
The all-rounder trio of Pollard, Omarzai, and Mayers adds immense value, offering both 30+ batting potential and wicket-taking spells. All three have match-winning ability on any given day.
In the bowling unit, Fazalhaq Farooqi is the leading strike bowler with his deadly swing and yorkers. Naveen-ul-Haq brings variations suited for UAE pitches, especially at the death. Blessing Muzarabani’s bounce makes him a valuable pick, while Liam Dawson contributes spin control and often chips in with wickets in the middle overs.
This combination ensures point accumulation through boundaries, wickets, economy rates, catches, and all-round contributions.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Tom Banton
- Vice-Captain: Nicholas Pooran
Players to Avoid
- Aayan Khan (may bowl limited overs)
- Muhammad Rohid (inconsistent wicket-taking record)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
MI Emirates step into this match as clear favourites due to their superior batting firepower, well-rounded team structure, and strong head-to-head record against Gulf Giants. Their top order featuring Waseem, Banton, Pooran, and Bairstow is far more explosive and consistent compared to the Giants’ lineup.
Additionally, MI Emirates possess a more experienced and proven bowling attack, led by Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq—both of whom thrive in Dubai’s conditions. Gulf Giants rely heavily on a few key individuals like Vince and Gurbaz, and their middle order has shown vulnerability under pressure.
MI Emirates also performed better last season and come into this match with greater stability and depth, making them favourites to secure their first win of the season.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch is known for being batting-friendly, especially under lights. The surface offers good bounce and an even pace, allowing stroke-makers to score freely. However, bowlers who use cutters and slower variations can find success as the pitch grips slightly. Spinners also enjoy assistance during the middle overs due to gradual surface wear. Chasing teams have a major advantage here, with dew likely to play a role. Expect scores in the 150–170 range.
Weather Report
Clear skies with warm conditions are expected in Dubai. Humidity may rise during the evening, contributing to light dew that will favour the chasing side.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on Zee Entertainment Network, with online streaming available on ZEE5 and FanCode for global viewers.
Toss Prediction
MI Emirates are likely to win the toss and opt to bowl first, considering the strong chasing advantage at Dubai where dew makes batting easier in the second innings.
Score Prediction
If MI Emirates bat first: 157+
If Gulf Giants bat first: 136+
MI Emirates have more explosive hitters, giving them a higher scoring potential compared to Gulf Giants.
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
Best Batsman:
Tom Banton remains the most dangerous top-order batter due to his powerplay explosiveness and recent form. James Vince is another strong candidate with his ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate.
Best Bowler:
Fazalhaq Farooqi is the leading bowling pick thanks to his wicket-taking consistency. Blessing Muzarabani is also expected to trouble MI Emirates batters with bounce and movement.
Match Prediction
Based on team depth, explosive batting lineup, and superior bowling quality, MI Emirates have the stronger chance of winning this encounter. Gulf Giants will need individual brilliance to stay competitive, but MI Emirates look more balanced and capable of handling pressure moments.
Predicted Winner: MI Emirates.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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