MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers Prediction: Who Will Win 1st Qualifier T20 ILT20 Match on 30th December 2025?
The International League T20 2025 enters its decisive phase as MI Emirates take on Desert Vipers in the 1st Qualifier at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. With a direct ticket to the final on the line, the MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction carries heightened importance for fans, analysts, and fantasy players alike.
Desert Vipers finished the league stage at the summit after a dominant campaign, winning eight of their ten matches with consistency across departments. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling made them the benchmark side during the group phase. MI Emirates, however, are peaking at the perfect time—stringing together five consecutive wins to secure second place and momentum heading into the playoffs. Notably, MI Emirates edged the Vipers by four wickets in their most recent meeting this season, adding intrigue to this qualifier.
Conditions in Abu Dhabi generally reward patience with the bat and accuracy with the ball. A first-innings total in the 175–180 range is considered competitive, particularly under lights. With match-winners on both sides—ranging from explosive batters to incisive bowlers—key phases like the powerplay and death overs will likely decide the outcome. While the Vipers’ league dominance cannot be ignored, MI Emirates’ late surge and head-to-head confidence slightly tilt the MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction toward a closely fought contest.
- Qualifier 1 winner advances straight to the final
- Desert Vipers topped the league; MI Emirates finished second
- Abu Dhabi conditions demand disciplined bowling and smart batting
- MI Emirates won the last head-to-head this season
Match Details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers, 1st Qualifier |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 30 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM (Local) |
| Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Tournament | International League T20 2025 |
Team Preview
Desert Vipers Preview
Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side of ILT20 2025, finishing top of the table with eight wins from ten matches. Their success has been built on a balanced approach—reliable top-order runs complemented by a disciplined, wicket-taking bowling unit.
Max Holden has led the batting charts with 318 runs at an average of 40, including three half-centuries. His ability to bat deep provides stability. Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence have added substance through the middle order, each surpassing 210 runs this season, while Fakhar Zaman and Jason Roy provide explosive options capable of changing the tempo rapidly.
With the ball, the Vipers have been equally formidable. Khuzaima Tanveer and David Payne have combined for 25 wickets, offering control and penetration in all phases. Naseem Shah has impressed with pace and accuracy, while Curran’s all-round contribution adds balance. Qais Ahmad’s spin provides variety, especially in the middle overs.
The Vipers’ challenge will be to translate league dominance into knockout composure. They have the depth and experience to do so, but must handle MI’s power hitters carefully.
MI Emirates Preview
MI Emirates arrive in Qualifier 1 with momentum firmly on their side. Five straight wins have transformed their campaign, and the side looks settled and confident across roles.
Muhammad Waseem has been outstanding at the top, scoring 293 runs with consistency and intent. Tom Banton provides early aggression, while Nicholas Pooran remains the most dangerous batter in the lineup—capable of turning games in a few overs. Kieron Pollard’s experience in high-pressure matches is invaluable, and Shakib Al Hasan adds all-round quality.
Bowling has been MI’s quiet strength. Allah Ghazanfar has been the standout spinner, taking 11 wickets at under seven an over. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Zahoor Khan provide pace and death-over options, while Romario Shepherd adds muscle and variation.
MI Emirates’ recent win over the Vipers will boost belief. If they execute their plans with the same clarity, they are well-placed to challenge for a direct final berth—making the MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction finely balanced.
Also Check: Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
Desert Vipers: Max Holden, Andries Gous, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Jason Roy, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, David Payne, Qais Ahmad, Fakhar Zaman, Tom Bruce
MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Tom Banton, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Arab Gul Momand, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahoor Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Andre Fletcher, Usman Khan Shinwari
Probable Playing XI
| MI Emirates | Desert Vipers |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem | Max Holden |
| Tom Banton | Andries Gous (wk) |
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi | Hasan Nawaz |
| Nicholas Pooran (wk) | Sam Curran (c) |
| Kieron Pollard (c) | Jason Roy |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Dan Lawrence |
| Romario Shepherd | Vriitya Aravind |
| Arab Gul Momand | Khuzaima Tanveer |
| Allah Ghazanfar | Naseem Shah |
| Zahoor Khan | David Payne |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Qais Ahmad |
MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Muhammad Waseem, Max Holden, Jason Roy |
| All-rounders | Sam Curran, Shakib Al Hasan |
| Bowlers | Allah Ghazanfar, Naseem Shah, Fazalhaq Farooqi |
| Wicketkeeper | Nicholas Pooran |
For the MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction, prioritize players impacting multiple phases. Muhammad Waseem is a safe batting pick, while Nicholas Pooran offers explosive upside. Sam Curran’s dual role makes him invaluable, and Shakib Al Hasan adds stability with bat and ball. In bowling, Allah Ghazanfar’s economy and wickets are crucial, while Naseem Shah’s pace threatens early breakthroughs. Jason Roy can be a high-risk, high-reward pick.
Captain Choices: Sam Curran, Nicholas Pooran
Vice-Captain Choices: Muhammad Waseem, Shakib Al Hasan
Players to Avoid: Hasan Nawaz, Arab Gul Momand
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
In this MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction, MI Emirates emerge as the favourite due to momentum, recent head-to-head success this season, and a balanced squad peaking at the right moment. MI Emirates are on a five-match winning streak and entered the playoffs with confidence, demonstrating both batting depth and bowling discipline.
Their batting lineup, led by Muhammad Waseem and Nicholas Pooran, can accelerate at any stage, while their bowling unit—anchored by Allah Ghazanfar and supported by Fazalhaq Farooqi—has consistently taken wickets and maintained control. Desert Vipers, despite topping the league stage with eight wins, have shown occasional vulnerability under pressure, particularly against quality bowling.
In knockout cricket, form and adaptability are crucial, and MI Emirates have shown the ability to execute plans in key phases. Considering recent performances, balance in all departments, and confidence built from a previous win over the Vipers this season, MI Emirates hold a slight edge heading into this high-stakes qualifier.
Pitch Report
The Zayed Cricket Stadium surface in Abu Dhabi typically offers a true batting wicket with consistent bounce and carry. Fast bowlers may find early movement under lights, especially if there is some seam and swing available, but these conditions usually settle, rewarding batters who rotate strike and find gaps. Mid-innings spinners can be effective by varying pace and flight rather than relying on significant turn. Teams that score quickly in the powerplay and build partnerships tend to post competitive totals. Overall, an attacking surface suggests that scores in the 175–180 range are often challenging to defend, making both batting and bowling strategies crucial.
Weather Report
Clear skies are forecast for Abu Dhabi with temperatures around 23–26°C. Low humidity and no significant rain are expected during match hours, enabling uninterrupted play under lights at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Broadcast Details
The MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers match will be broadcast live on Zee Entertainment Network and streamed on ZEE5. Fans can also watch live coverage and follow scores, commentary, and highlights on the official FanCode app and other league digital platforms.
Toss Prediction
With dew likely under lights at Abu Dhabi, teams may prefer to bowl first and chase a target. In this MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction, MI Emirates are tipped to win the toss and opt to bowl, aiming to exploit conditions.
Score Prediction
- If MI Emirates bat first: 170–180
- If Desert Vipers bat first: 165–175
Competitive totals in this range are expected at Zayed Cricket Stadium. A strong start in the powerplay and disciplined death bowling will be key to defending or chasing these figures.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
In this MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction, Muhammad Waseem is expected to lead the batting for MI Emirates, providing stability at the top and setting the foundation for a big total. Nicholas Pooran remains their most explosive batter and a key match-winner, capable of changing momentum with quick scoring. For the Desert Vipers, Max Holden will be pivotal, bringing consistency and experience to anchor the innings, while Sam Curran offers all-round value and can make significant contributions with both bat and ball.
On the bowling front, Allah Ghazanfar is likely to be MI’s most potent wicket-taker, particularly through the middle overs with disciplined spin. Fazalhaq Farooqi adds pace and control at crucial junctures. For the Vipers, Naseem Shah is their main pace threat, capable of early breakthroughs, while Khuzaima Tanveer can restrict runs and provide key middle-over wickets with his disciplined bowling.
Also Check For More: International League T20 Match Prediction
Match Prediction
This MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers prediction suggests a closely fought contest, but MI Emirates hold a slight edge due to momentum, balanced batting depth, and key bowling match-ups. While Desert Vipers have been dominant in the league stage, MI’s recent form and head-to-head success give them the advantage. Ultimately, MI Emirates are tipped to win this qualifier and secure a place in the final.
Winner: 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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