Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Prediction: Who Will Win 17th T20 ILT20 Match on 16th December 2025?
The Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders prediction for the 17th T20 of ILT20 2025 strongly favors the table-toppers as the league enters a decisive phase. Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side of the season, combining depth in batting with a disciplined, wicket-taking bowling unit. Sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with six wins, the Vipers look well on course for a direct playoff berth. In contrast, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders find themselves struggling at the bottom, with only one win from five matches, and are now in a must-win situation to keep their campaign alive.
The previous outings of both teams underline the contrast in momentum. Desert Vipers chased down a competitive total against Dubai Capitals with composure, thanks largely to Sam Curran’s calm, match-winning knock under pressure. Their ability to absorb early setbacks and still control the chase speaks volumes about their maturity as a unit. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, meanwhile, showed fight through Andre Russell’s valiant fifty in their last match but once again fell short due to a lack of collective support.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium has generally rewarded teams that bowl smartly and bat with intent in phases. Totals around 165–175 have proven competitive, and sides with deeper batting line-ups have held an edge. Desert Vipers tick most boxes here: form, balance, and confidence. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders do possess star power, but inconsistency and repeated middle-order collapses have hurt them badly.
Unless the Knight Riders produce a near-perfect performance, this fixture looks set to reinforce the dominance of the Vipers. From current form to squad balance, all indicators point toward another solid outing for the league leaders.
- Desert Vipers are placed 1st on the points table with 6 wins
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are struggling at the bottom with 1 win
- Sam Curran and Khuzaima Tanveer are key performers for Vipers
- Dubai surface favors balanced teams with bowling depth
Match Details
| Match | Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 17th T20 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 |
| Date | Tuesday, 16th December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Team Preview
Desert Vipers Preview
Desert Vipers have been the benchmark team of ILT20 2025 so far, showing remarkable consistency across all departments. Their top-order has provided steady starts, while the middle order has repeatedly stepped up in pressure situations. Sam Curran has been the standout performer, leading the run charts for the team with 208 runs and playing the role of a finisher to perfection. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him invaluable.
Players like Fakhar Zaman, Max Holden, and Hasan Nawaz have complemented Curran well, ensuring the Vipers are never overly dependent on one individual. The depth in batting allows them to chase or set targets with confidence.
Bowling has been equally impressive. Khuzaima Tanveer has led the attack brilliantly, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. Supported by quality options like Naseem Shah, Lockie Ferguson, and Qais Ahmad, the Vipers possess both pace and spin variety. Their discipline in the middle overs and effectiveness at the death have been central to their success.
Overall, Desert Vipers look settled, confident, and tactically sharp. With momentum firmly on their side, they will be keen to maintain their winning run.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Preview
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have endured a difficult campaign so far, marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities. Despite boasting several high-profile names, they have struggled to click as a unit. Their batting has shown flashes of brilliance, but collapses in the middle overs have been a recurring theme.
Alishan Sharafu has been their most reliable batter, while Andre Russell has provided explosive cameos lower down the order. Jason Holder has contributed in patches, but the lack of sustained partnerships has hurt their chances in tight games.
In bowling, Ajay Kumar has been the most successful wicket-taker, but the attack has lacked penetration in crucial phases. The presence of experienced bowlers like Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla adds variety, yet execution has been inconsistent. For Knight Riders to challenge the Vipers, they need early wickets and a collective batting effort rather than reliance on individual heroics.
Also Check: Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
Desert Vipers Squad:
Fakhar Zaman, Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Dan Lawrence, Andries Gous, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, Lockie Ferguson, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, David Payne, Leus de Plooy, Tawanda Muyeye, Tom Bruce
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Squad:
Phil Salt (wk), Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Liam Livingstone, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Ajay Kumar, Ibrar Ahmed, George Garton, Brandon McMullen, Michael Pepper
Probable Playing XI
| Desert Vipers | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Phil Salt (wk) |
| Max Holden | Alex Hales |
| Hasan Nawaz | Alishan Sharafu |
| Sam Curran (c) | Liam Livingstone |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Andre Russell |
| Dan Lawrence | Jason Holder |
| Andries Gous (wk) | Sherfane Rutherford |
| Khuzaima Tanveer | Sunil Narine |
| Naseem Shah | Piyush Chawla |
| Lockie Ferguson | Ajay Kumar |
| Qais Ahmad | Ibrar Ahmed |
Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Fakhar Zaman, Max Holden, Alishan Sharafu |
| All-rounders | Sam Curran, Andre Russell, Jason Holder |
| Wicketkeeper | Phil Salt |
| Bowlers | Khuzaima Tanveer, Naseem Shah, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson |
This fantasy XI prioritizes players who contribute across multiple facets of the game. Sam Curran is the standout pick due to his consistent run-scoring and ability to bowl in key phases, making him an ideal captain choice. Fakhar Zaman and Max Holden provide stability and attacking intent at the top, while Alishan Sharafu remains the most reliable batter for Knight Riders.
Andre Russell and Jason Holder add immense fantasy value through their dual roles, especially in death overs. Phil Salt is a strong wicketkeeping option with explosive batting potential. In bowling, Khuzaima Tanveer and Naseem Shah are must-haves due to their wicket-taking form, while Lockie Ferguson offers pace and bounce. Sunil Narine’s economy and occasional wickets make him a smart fantasy inclusion.
Captain Choices: Sam Curran, Andre Russell
Vice-Captain Choices: Fakhar Zaman, Jason Holder
Players to Avoid: Michael Pepper, Brandon McMullen (inconsistent opportunities)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Desert Vipers (Why?)
Desert Vipers are the clear favourites in today’s match due to their outstanding form and squad balance. Sitting at the top of the table with six wins, they have consistently outplayed opponents through disciplined bowling and calculated batting. Their middle order, led by Sam Curran and Shimron Hetmyer, has repeatedly delivered under pressure, while the bowling attack has depth and variety.
In contrast, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are struggling with confidence and consistency, relying heavily on individual performances from Andre Russell. Desert Vipers’ ability to exploit weaknesses, particularly in the middle overs, gives them a strong advantage. Based on current form, momentum, and team combination, Desert Vipers are expected to dominate this contest.
Pitch Report
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium offers a balanced pitch with assistance for seamers early on and value for shots once batters settle. Spinners become effective in the middle overs. A first-innings score around 165–175 is considered competitive.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23–26°C |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Rain | 0% chance |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Conditions are ideal for cricket with clear skies and no rain interruptions expected.
Broadcast Details
The Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 17th T20 ILT20 2025 match will be broadcast live on the Zee Entertainment Network. Fans can also stream the match live on ZEE5 and FanCode platforms. Live scores and ball-by-ball updates will be available online.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss will be crucial at Abu Dhabi due to dew conditions. Teams generally prefer chasing to better judge targets under lights. Desert Vipers are likely to win the toss and opt to bowl first to capitalize on favorable chasing conditions.
Score Prediction
- If Desert Vipers bat first: 168+
- If Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bat first: 133+
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
Sam Curran is the most probable top scorer for Desert Vipers due to his current form and finishing ability. Fakhar Zaman could also play a crucial role at the top. For Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Andre Russell remains the biggest batting threat.
In bowling, Khuzaima Tanveer is expected to lead the wicket-taking charts for Desert Vipers, while Lockie Ferguson’s pace could trouble batters. For Knight Riders, Ajay Kumar and Sunil Narine are the key bowlers.
Also Check For More: International League T20 Match Prediction
Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Match Prediction
Based on current form, squad balance, and momentum, Desert Vipers hold a clear edge. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders may compete in patches, but consistency favors the league leaders. Our prediction: Desert Vipers will win the match.
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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