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the Giants of the Gulf scheduled to compete with Desert Viper in Match 5 of International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 14. This match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to establish their positions early in the tournament.
The Giants are coming off a disappointing start to their season, losing their opening game against Sharjah Warriors by 7 wickets, in which they failed to defend a total of 175 runs. captain James Vincewho was instrumental last season with 356 runs, must once again lead from the front. Key players like Shimron Hetmyer and Adam Lyth expected to provide strength and firepower in the batting lineup. As for bowling, Mark Adair and Blessing of Muzarabani showed their skills by taking two wickets each in their last match, and they will be crucial in keeping the Vipers’ batting order in check.
Vipers opened their campaign with a convincing 7-wicket win Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. And Lawrence was the standout performer, scoring a quickfire 70 runs off 39 balls, supported by Sam Curran‘s unbeaten 50. The team is strengthened by experienced players viz Alex Hales and Mohammad Amirwho are expected to play important roles. Their bowling attack looks strong at Lockie Ferguson lead in the pace department, making them a formidable opponent for the Giants
Historically, the Vipers have the upper hand against the Giants, having won both of their previous ILT20 encounters. This psychological content can play an important role as they go out into the field again.
ILT20|2025, Match 05:
- Date and time: January 14, 02:30 pm GMT/ 08:00 pm IST/ 06:30 pm local
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to provide a balanced competition for the match between Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers. Historically, spinners have thrived here, taking most of the wickets, while pacers have had little impact. The surface is usually slow, making it challenging for batters to time their shots, especially in the afternoon heat. However, conditions improve under the lights, favoring better stroke play. The second-placed teams have a distinct advantage, with a higher win rate when chasing totals. Overall, adapting the strategies to the pitch conditions will be important for both teams in this encounter.
GG vs DV Dream11 Picks:
- Wicket keepers: Jordan Cox, Azam Khan
- Batters: Alex Hales, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer, Fakhar Zaman
- All-rounders: Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Mohammad Amir, Chris Jordan, Lockie Ferguson
Captain and Vice-Captain of GG vs. DV Dream11:
- Choice 1: Alex Hales (c), Jordan Cox (vc)
- Choice 2: Fakhar Zaman (c), Shimron Hetmyer (vc)
also WATCH: Shimron Hetmyer hits a huge six off Harmeet Singh in ILT20 2025
GG vs DV Dream11 Backups Prediction:
Dan Lawrence, Mark Adair, Rehan Ahmed, Tymal Mills
GG vs DV Dream11 Team for today’s match (January 14, 02:30 pm GMT):
Squads:
Giants of the Gulf: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zuhaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, and Shimron Hetmyer, Adam Lyth, Dominic Drakes, Daniel Worrall, Dushan Hemantha, Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair, Ollie Robinson, Tim David, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills, Muhammad Saghir Khan, Muhammad Uzair Khan, Wahidullah Zadran
Desert Viper: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Luke Wood, Michael Jones, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Dhruv Parashar, Fakhar Zaman, Kushal Malla, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran
