Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants, ILT 2023, Today Match Prediction 12 February 2023

dv vs ggt Match Prediction & Analysis

Another exciting addition to the flock of T20 leagues around the world, ILT20 has reached its finale. And it promises to be a thrilling final in Dubai as the best T20 stars in the world walk out for one last time this season.

Gulf Giants bounced back quickly after their defeat against the Vipers in Qualifier 1. James Vince led the side to a 4-wicket win over the Emirates chasing a target of 168 runs in Qualifier 2.

There have been back-to-back matches on this ground and the 1st innings scores seem to be on a decline. The bowlers are doing better than expected in the 2nd innings and that sets the stage for a great final.

The batting performances haven’t been very consistent from either side. Only once in the last three innings did the Vipers have players scoring a fifty. Billings and Sherfane Rutherford are the key batters for the Vipers while Vince and Hetmyer hold the keys to success in the Giants' batting order.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Desert Vipers Preview

A huge problem is at the centre of the Vipers' batting lineup. The skipper himself, Colin Munro, looks completely out of touch. 

The NZ batsman has scored 2, 2, and 1 in his last three innings at number 3. While their record on this ground is impressive with 5 wins from 7 matches, an inconsistent batting lineup makes them more vulnerable. 

It was Sherfane Rutherford and Tom Curran in the lower middle order who saved the Vipers’ ship from sinking in Qualifier 1. Before them, it was the partnership between Billings and Hasaranga that resurrected the innings after losing 3 wickets in the powerplay. 

Alex Hales is a heavyweight player in T20 cricket and is known for his big-hitting abilities. While he also has failed to make any significant impact in recent games, the depth in the lineup should give the top-order some confidence.

If Vipers could manage to reach 178 runs after losing 3 wickets for 35 in the powerplay, a good start could make a huge difference. Luke Wood, Tom Curran, and Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the bowling attack. They are reliable bowlers who can deliver timely breakthroughs. 

Overall, it looks like a well-balanced side with some promising and talented players throughout the lineup. 

Desert Vipers Predicted Playing XI:

Rohan Mustafa, Alex Hales, Colin Munro (c), Sam Billings (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tom Curran, Luke Wood, Gus Atkinson, Sheldon Cottrell, Shiraz Ahmed

Desert Vipers Actual Playing XI:

Alex Hales, Rohan Mustafa, Luke Wood, Ali Naseer, Adam Lyth, Colin Munro, Sheldon Cottrell, Wanidu Hasaranga, Gus Atkinson, Sam Billings, Tom Curran

Gulf Giants Preview

The captaincy has changed hands after Chris Lynn took over as the skipper in Qualifier 2. James Vince came out and played his best knock as soon as he was relieved of the leadership role.

Batting is a concern for the Giants as well. In spite of having some of the best T20 players in their lineup, Gulf Giants have suffered major collapses. They were bowled out for 159 runs against the Vipers at this venue in Qualifier 1.

Previously, they were all out for just 130 runs against Sharjah while chasing a 152-run target in Dubai. The Giants have a star-studded batting order with Colin de Grandhomme, Shimron Hetmyer, and Carlos Brathwaite in the middle and lower order.

The batting lineup does indeed feature Giants of the T20 format. Hetmyer, David Wiese, and Tom Banton will be the key players in the middle order. All of these need to fire if the Giants are to chase down a target here. Colin de Grandhomme and Brathwaite may not deliver as expected with the bat.

However, Brathwaite can be crucial with the ball. Chris Jordan also brings plenty of experience to the bowling attack. This is a powerful squad with some of the best T20 players who’ve been part of title-winning franchises around the world.

Gulf Giants Predicted Playing XI:

James Vince, Chris Lynn (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Gerhard Erasmus (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, David Wiese, Carlos Brathwaite, Aayan Afzal Khan, Chris Jordan, Sanchit Sharma, Qais Ahmad

Gulf Giants Actual Playing XI:

James Vince, Aayan Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Gerhard Erasmus, Colin de Grandhomme, Chris Jordan, Shimron Hetmyer, Sanchit Sharma, David Wiese, Chris Lynn, Qais Ahmad

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

It is a batting-friendly track here in Dubai. It has seemed to change in recent times and the contest between bat and ball has become more even. The bowlers are getting more purchase out of the surface. The weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 27 degrees Celsius.

Venue Details

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the final of the International League T20. It has a great outfield and the boundaries are longer than other stadiums in the UAE. The average 1st innings score on this ground in domestic T20s is 156 runs. And for a winning total, the team batting first should aim at scoring 175 or more.

Toss: To Bowl

Though teams batting second have won only two of the last 5 matches at this venue, it is a preferable option. And both teams have deep batting lineups with big-hitting finishers.