MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals Prediction: Who Will Win 18th T20 ILT20 Match on 17th December 2025?
The MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals prediction for the 18th match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 presents a crucial mid-table clash as both teams look to strengthen their playoff chances. Scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, this contest features two sides locked on identical points, each with two wins and three losses so far. While MI Emirates sit just below Dubai Capitals on the table, recent performances suggest momentum could swing either way depending on execution under pressure.
Dubai Capitals enter this match after a five-wicket defeat against Desert Vipers, a game where they posted a competitive 166 but failed to defend it in the final over. Their batting has shown promise, particularly through Rovman Powell and Jordan Cox, but inconsistency at the top remains a concern. The bowling unit, however, has been a strong point, with Waqar Salamkheil emerging as one of the leading wicket-takers of the tournament.
MI Emirates, on the other hand, suffered a narrow six-run loss against Sharjah Warriorz, a match they nearly sealed thanks to a strong opening partnership. Jonny Bairstow continues to lead the batting charts for MI Emirates, while young spinner Allah Ghazanfar has impressed with timely breakthroughs. Despite some middle-order failures, MI Emirates appear more balanced on paper.
With the Dubai surface expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball, adaptability will be key. Based on form, squad depth, and match-ups, MI Emirates start as slight favourites, but Dubai Capitals possess enough firepower to challenge strongly if they execute their plans well.
- Both teams have identical records with 2 wins and 3 losses
- MI Emirates hold a slight edge due to better squad balance
- Dubai Capitals rely heavily on Rovman Powell and Waqar Salamkheil
- Dubai pitch expected to produce a competitive T20 contest
Match Details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals, 18th T20 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | International League T20 2025 |
| Date | Wednesday, 17 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
Team Preview
MI Emirates Team Preview
MI Emirates have shown flashes of brilliance in ILT20 2025 but have struggled to close out tight games. Currently placed fourth on the points table with two wins and three losses, they remain very much in the playoff race. Their recent six-run loss against Sharjah Warriorz highlighted both their strengths and weaknesses.
The batting unit has been largely dependable at the top. Jonny Bairstow has been their standout performer, scoring 136 runs and consistently providing brisk starts. Muhammad Waseem complements him well, and their opening partnership has often given MI Emirates strong platforms. Nicholas Pooran, though not listed among top scorers, has shown resilience, while Tom Banton and Kieron Pollard have been inconsistent, which is an area of concern.
The middle order includes experienced names like Shakib Al Hasan and Romario Shepherd, both capable of contributing with bat and ball. However, their lack of consistency has put pressure on the lower order. If MI Emirates can find stability in the middle overs, their batting unit becomes far more threatening.
Bowling has been relatively effective. Allah Ghazanfar has emerged as their leading wicket-taker with six wickets, using his variations smartly. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq offer control in powerplay and death overs, while Chris Woakes adds experience and discipline. Overall, MI Emirates possess a well-rounded squad, and if key players deliver together, they are capable of dominating this contest.
Dubai Capitals Team Preview
Dubai Capitals are currently placed third on the points table but have struggled with consistency, winning two of their five matches. Their recent defeat against Desert Vipers exposed shortcomings in death bowling and finishing power.
Batting-wise, Rovman Powell has been the backbone of the lineup, scoring 173 runs and providing power through the middle overs. Jordan Cox has been a positive addition, showcasing maturity and finishing ability. Leus du Plooy and Gulbadin Naib have provided support, but the top order, particularly Shayan Jahangir, has failed to fire consistently.
The bowling department remains Dubai Capitals’ biggest strength. Waqar Salamkheil has been outstanding, picking up 11 wickets and controlling the middle overs effectively. Tymal Mills adds pace and bounce, while David Willey and Mohammad Nabi provide control and experience. Despite these strengths, the Capitals have struggled to defend totals, particularly in pressure situations.
Dubai Capitals have the potential to beat any team on their day, but their success hinges on collective performances rather than individual brilliance.
Also Check: Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
MI Emirates Squad
Ackeem Auguste, Allah Ghazanfar, Andre Fletcher, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jonny Bairstow, Kamindu Mendis, Muhammad Waseem, Naveen-ul-Haq, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran, Jordan Thompson, Zahoor Khan, Tajinder Dhillon
Dubai Capitals Squad
David Willey, Gulbadin Naib, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Nabi, Rovman Powell, Shayan Jahangir, Tymal Mills, Waqar Salamkheil, Toby Albert, Jimmy Neesham, Haider Ali, Farhan Khan
Probable Playing XI
| MI Emirates | Dubai Capitals |
|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow | Shayan Jahangir |
| Muhammad Waseem | Leus du Plooy |
| Nicholas Pooran | Rovman Powell |
| Tom Banton | Jordan Cox |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Gulbadin Naib |
| Romario Shepherd | Mohammad Nabi |
| Chris Woakes | Jimmy Neesham |
| Allah Ghazanfar | Waqar Salamkheil |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | David Willey |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Tymal Mills |
| Zahoor Khan | Farhan Khan |
MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Jonny Bairstow, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran |
| All-Rounders | Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Chris Woakes |
| Wicketkeeper | Jordan Cox |
| Bowlers | Waqar Salamkheil, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq |
Fantasy players should prioritize all-rounders and top-order batters for this contest. Shakib Al Hasan is an ideal captaincy choice due to his dual contribution with bat and ball, especially on slower Dubai surfaces. Mohammad Nabi and Chris Woakes add further balance and consistency, making them valuable fantasy assets.
Jonny Bairstow remains a must-pick due to his aggressive powerplay scoring, while Rovman Powell’s finishing ability can generate quick points. Nicholas Pooran offers stability and boundary-hitting potential, particularly while chasing.
In bowling, Waqar Salamkheil has been the standout performer of the tournament and is expected to play a key role again. Allah Ghazanfar’s variations make him dangerous in the middle overs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq provide wicket-taking potential at crucial stages.
Captain Options: Shakib Al Hasan, Jonny Bairstow
Vice-Captain Options: Rovman Powell, Mohammad Nabi
Players to Avoid: Andre Fletcher, Haider Ali
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match (Why?)
MI Emirates are the favourite team in today’s match due to a more balanced squad and stronger combinations across batting and bowling. Their batting lineup boasts explosive openers like Jonny Bairstow and Muhammad Waseem, who can provide rapid starts, while experienced all-rounders such as Shakib Al Hasan and Chris Woakes add depth and control. MI Emirates also possess greater bowling variety through Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and the wicket-taking potential of Allah Ghazanfar, making them flexible in different phases of the innings.
Dubai Capitals have talented individuals like Rovman Powell and Waqar Salamkheil, but inconsistency in finishing games has hurt their recent campaigns. Capitals’ middle order has been fragile in closing stages, and death bowling has leaked crucial runs under pressure. Given Emirates’ ability to adapt to match situations and their stronger bench strength, they enter this game as clear favourites. Their superior balance and execution make them likelier to control key moments and secure victory.
Pitch Report – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch typically provides a fair contest between bat and ball. Early on, fast bowlers can extract decent bounce and movement, especially with disciplined lines in the powerplay. As the surface settles, batters find rhythm through the middle overs, but the pitch tends to slow slightly, bringing spinners into play during the middle and death phases. Dew often plays a part under lights, making chasing somewhat easier in the second innings. A total around 160–170 is considered competitive at this venue, rewarding teams that build steady partnerships and rotate the strike wisely before accelerating.
Weather Report
Clear skies are forecast in Dubai with temperatures around 24–26°C. Humidity levels will be moderate, and there is no rain expected, ensuring uninterrupted play and ideal conditions for T20 cricket.
Broadcast Details
The MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals 18th T20 ILT20 2025 match will be broadcast live on Zee Entertainment Network. Live streaming and ball-by-ball coverage will be available on ZEE5 and FanCode platforms for global viewers.
Toss Prediction
At Dubai’s dew-prone venue, teams often prefer chasing. In this encounter, MI Emirates are predicted to win the toss and choose to bowl first, aiming to chase under easier conditions and apply scoreboard pressure in the second innings.
Score Prediction
- If MI Emirates Bat First: 160+
- If Dubai Capitals Bat First: 133+
A score around 160–170 is competitive at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with dew aiding chasing sides in the second innings. Bowlers who vary pace and hit their lengths will play a key role in restricting totals.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For MI Emirates, Jonny Bairstow is the most probable top scorer due to his aggressive approach in the powerplay and ability to punish errant deliveries. Nicholas Pooran offers finishing strength in the middle order, capable of scoring quick boundaries in key moments. In bowling, Allah Ghazanfar has been effective in picking up middle-overs wickets with his variations. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq will also be crucial in the early and death overs.
For Dubai Capitals, Rovman Powell remains the most likely top contributor with the bat, bringing experience and big-hitting capability. Jordan Cox provides added stability and scoring depth. With the ball, Waqar Salamkheil is expected to lead the attack, exploiting any slower pace and variations. Tymal Mills can generate pace and bounce, making him a threat, especially upfront.
Also Check For More: International League T20 Match Prediction
Match Prediction
Based on current form, squad balance, and conditions, MI Emirates are expected to win this MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals prediction. While Dubai Capitals possess match-winners and have shown fighting spirit, MI Emirates’ stronger squad depth and balanced combinations make them likelier to control crucial phases and secure victory in this 18th T20 ILT20 2025 encounter at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Our Winner Prediction: MI Emirates Will Win
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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