MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants Prediction: Who Will Win 26th T20 ILT20 Match on 23rd December 2025?
The MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction for the 26th match of the International League T20 2025 points towards a closely fought contest, with MI Emirates holding a slight edge due to form and squad balance. As the league phase enters a decisive stage, both teams are under pressure to consolidate their positions on the points table. MI Emirates, currently placed second with five wins from eight matches, come into this fixture with momentum after a gritty four-wicket victory over Desert Vipers. Gulf Giants, meanwhile, are placed fourth and are desperate to arrest their slide after losing to Dubai Capitals.
The MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction gains added significance because the match is scheduled at Abu Dhabi, a venue that traditionally produces low to moderate scoring games. MI Emirates have shown that they can win tight encounters on such surfaces, relying on experienced finishers and disciplined bowling. Their previous match was a classic example—despite early setbacks in the chase, calm heads in the middle order ensured they crossed the line.
Gulf Giants, on the other hand, have struggled with consistency. While they possess quality batters like Pathum Nissanka and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, frequent middle-order collapses have prevented them from posting truly competitive totals. Bowling has been a brighter spot, particularly Azmatullah Omarzai, but they will need a collective effort to stop MI Emirates’ deep batting unit.
With both sides evenly matched on paper, execution in key moments—especially powerplays and death overs—will likely decide the outcome. Based on current form, home familiarity, and recent results, the MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction slightly favours MI Emirates, though Gulf Giants remain capable of causing an upset if their top order clicks.
- MI Emirates are placed 2nd with 5 wins and come into this match after beating Desert Vipers.
- Gulf Giants sit 4th on the table and are struggling with consistency in recent games.
- Sheikh Zayed Stadium is known for low-scoring, pressure-driven T20 contests.
- MI Emirates’ experience in tight chases gives them a slight edge.
Match Details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants, 26th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 23 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Tournament | International League T20 2025 |
| Broadcaster | ZEE5, Zee Network, FanCode |
MI Emirates Preview
MI Emirates have been one of the most consistent sides in ILT20 2025, currently sitting second on the points table with five wins from eight matches. Their campaign has been built on adaptability—winning both high-scoring and low-scoring encounters—which makes them particularly dangerous as the tournament approaches the business end.
Batting has been led by Jonny Bairstow, who is the team’s top run scorer with 246 runs. His aggressive approach at the top provides MI Emirates with momentum in the powerplay. Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard add immense experience and finishing power in the middle and lower order. Pollard’s calm 26 off 15 balls in the previous match against Desert Vipers was a perfect example of how MI Emirates handle pressure situations.
The middle order also benefits from multi-skilled players like Shakib Al Hasan and Romario Shepherd, who can both stabilize innings and accelerate when required. This depth allows MI Emirates to recover even after losing early wickets, a trait that has earned them crucial points this season.
On the bowling front, Allah Ghazanfar has been outstanding, leading the wicket charts for MI Emirates with eight scalps. He has been well supported by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, both of whom offer control and wicket-taking options in different phases. The bowling unit may not always blow teams away, but it consistently applies pressure by restricting run flow.
Fielding has been another strong area, with sharp catching and athletic ground coverage saving valuable runs in close games. Playing at Abu Dhabi further enhances MI Emirates’ prospects, as they are familiar with the conditions and have already proven their ability to defend and chase modest totals here.
Overall, MI Emirates look settled and confident. If their top order provides a solid start and bowlers maintain discipline, they will be well placed to secure another important win.
Gulf Giants Preview
Gulf Giants have endured a mixed ILT20 2025 campaign and currently sit fourth on the points table with three wins and five losses. While they remain in playoff contention, inconsistency has been their biggest concern, particularly in crunch moments.
The batting lineup has talent but has failed to click collectively. Pathum Nissanka is the leading run scorer with 243 runs and has been one of the few consistent performers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and James Vince provide aggressive starts, but the middle order has often let promising platforms slip. In their previous match against Dubai Capitals, Azmatullah Omarzai’s quickfire 43 kept them competitive, but the lack of support from others restricted them to 156—a total that proved insufficient.
Bowling has been relatively stronger. Azmatullah Omarzai has also contributed with the ball, leading the team with 11 wickets. Support from Tabraiz Shamsi and Chris Wood has helped Gulf Giants stay competitive, but they have struggled to defend totals when batters fail to push beyond 160.
One of Gulf Giants’ challenges has been adapting to slow surfaces. They often start well but lose momentum in the middle overs, allowing opposition bowlers to dominate. Against a disciplined MI Emirates side, this weakness could again prove costly.
For Gulf Giants to challenge effectively, they need a collective batting performance—top-order aggression combined with middle-order stability. Their bowlers must strike early to put MI Emirates under pressure. If they manage these aspects, Gulf Giants are capable of pushing this contest deep.
Also Check: Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
MI Emirates
Jonny Bairstow, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Allah Ghazanfar, Tom Banton, Chris Woakes, Muhammad Waseem, and others.
Gulf Giants
Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Moeen Ali, Azmatullah Omarzai, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Wood, Mark Adair, Lorcan Tucker, and others.
Probable Playing XI
| MI Emirates | Gulf Giants |
|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow | Pathum Nissanka |
| Tom Banton | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Nicholas Pooran (c) | James Vince (c) |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Moeen Ali |
| Kieron Pollard | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Romario Shepherd | Lorcan Tucker |
| Chris Woakes | Mark Adair |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Chris Wood |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Tabraiz Shamsi |
| Allah Ghazanfar | Fred Klaassen |
| Muhammad Waseem | Matthew Forde |
MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Jonny Bairstow, Pathum Nissanka, James Vince |
| All-rounders | Shakib Al Hasan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kieron Pollard |
| Wicketkeeper | Nicholas Pooran |
| Bowlers | Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Wood |
This fantasy combination focuses on multi-dimensional players who contribute across disciplines. Jonny Bairstow and Pathum Nissanka are reliable top-order batters capable of anchoring or accelerating. Nicholas Pooran provides value as a wicketkeeper-batter who can score quickly in the middle overs. All-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan and Azmatullah Omarzai are crucial picks due to their dual contributions, while Kieron Pollard adds finishing firepower. The bowling unit prioritizes wicket-takers suited to Abu Dhabi’s slower surface, such as Allah Ghazanfar and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Captain Choices: Jonny Bairstow, Shakib Al Hasan
Vice-Captain Choices: Nicholas Pooran, Azmatullah Omarzai
Players to Avoid: Sean Dickson, Asif Khan
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – MI Emirates
MI Emirates are the favourites in today’s match due to their superior form, deeper batting lineup, and ability to handle pressure situations. Their recent win against Desert Vipers highlighted their composure in low-scoring games, a key factor at Abu Dhabi. With experienced players like Bairstow, Pollard, and Shakib, MI Emirates possess the calmness needed in tight contests. Gulf Giants, while talented, have struggled with consistency, especially in the middle overs. Unless Gulf Giants produce a collective batting effort, MI Emirates’ balanced squad gives them the edge.
Pitch Report
Sheikh Zayed Stadium usually offers a slow surface with minimal bounce. Batters need to apply themselves, while spinners and cutters are effective. Average first-innings scores range between 130–150. Teams batting first often look to post at least 145 to feel competitive.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Abu Dhabi with temperatures around 22–26°C. No rain is forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the match.
Toss Prediction
The toss-winning captain is likely to bat first, aiming to exploit scoreboard pressure on a slowing pitch during the second innings.
Score Prediction
- If MI Emirates bat first: 133+
- If Gulf Giants bat first: 131+
A low to moderate scoring game is expected, with bowlers playing a major role.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Jonny Bairstow, Pathum Nissanka
Probable Bowler: Allah Ghazanfar, Azmatullah Omarzai
Bairstow’s aggressive starts can set the tone, while Nissanka remains Gulf Giants’ most reliable run scorer. Ghazanfar’s control in the middle overs and Omarzai’s wicket-taking ability make them key bowling threats.
Also Check For More: International League T20 Match Prediction
Match Prediction
Based on current form, squad balance, and conditions, the MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants prediction favours MI Emirates. Gulf Giants may compete strongly, but MI Emirates’ consistency and experience should see them through.
Final 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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