ILT20 2025-26: Match & Season Overview
The 2025-26 ILT20 season is heating up as **Sharjah Warriorz** face **Desert Vipers** at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. With high-scoring matches, star-studded lineups, and intense playoff battles, this season has already delivered excitement. Desert Vipers lead the points table, while Warriorz fight for survival. This blog covers team XIs, win predictions, points table analysis, playoff scenarios, and highlights the **season’s top batsman, bowler, and boundary king**.
We’re right in the heart of the 2025-26 ILT20 season, and it’s been nothing short of explosive. With high-octane matches, glittering lineups, and edge-of-the-seat finishes, this UAE-based franchise league is steadily carving out its place in the international T20 cricket calendar.
Today, December 26, 2025, the cricketing world has its eyes glued to the 28th match of the season at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where the Sharjah Warriorz will clash with the formidable Desert Vipers.
A Quick Refresher on ILT20 2025-26: The League’s Evolution and Season’s Vibe:
Before we dive into the current match, we’ll provide a backdrop. The ILT20, supported by the Emirates Cricket Board and consisting of six teams, began its first season in 2023. Since then, the tournament has expanded rapidly, bringing with it international league talent, as well as UAE up-and-comers, to help further the growth of UAE domestic cricket. The 2025-26 season began on December 2, 2025, due to a change in format designed to ensure the competition doesn’t conflict with other major leagues, such as the IPL or Big Bash tournaments. Currently, the season includes 30 league matches with a double-round-robin structure, during which each team plays 10 league matches. Only the league’s top four teams will move on to power-hitter consisting of the Qualifier 1 match (between 1st and 2nd teams), Eliminator match between 3rd and 4th teams, the Qualifier 2 match between the loser of the previous match and the winner of the Eliminator match, and the Grand Final on the 12th of January, 2026.
What's making this season so exciting? The wickets have been extremely batter-friendly, and scores of 200+ have become commonplace. The role of dew in evening matches has been enormous, and then there's the abundance of stars in every team. Whether it's Nicholas Pooran's power-play for MI Emirates or Sam Curran's all-around performance for Desert Vipers, star players have dominated. It's not only star players who are making their mark, though. Players like Shayan Jahangir have also impressed in this Abu Dhabi T10 League. We've entered the business end of this competition, and we only have a handful of matches left. Three teams have already qualified for playoffs, and there's an neck-and-neck competition for entry in the fourth spot. The grounds have remained packed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and international views have gone through the roof because of streaming channels.
Right, moving on to today's match. This is one of these fixation clashes where you have the best team versus the last, but don’t rule out the underdogs because both Sharjah Warriorz and Desert Vipers want different outcomes today.
Today's Match:
- Sharjah Warriorz Playing XI:
- Johnson Charles
- Monank Patel
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Tom Abell
- James Rew
- Sikandar Raza
- Adil Rashid
- Harmeet Singh
- Saghır Khan
- Junaid Siddique
- Richard Ngarava
This side screams balance but has been inconsistent in this season. Inspiring leadership by Raza aside, they've been struggling with bat in backs in many chases. Opening fire from Charles and Patel would be a boost, while Rashid's height can be a boon on this turning wicket.
- Desert Vipers Playing XI:
- Max Holden
- Jason Roy
- Andries Gous
- Hasan Nawaz
- Sam Curran
- Dan Lawrence
- Vriitya Arav
- Qais Ahmad
- David Payne
- Nassem Shah
- Khuzaima Tanveer
"Vipers look a pretty solid team. They have a pretty dominating lineup – Roy at the top, Curran's captaincy qualities, batting skills, and Naseem’s raw speed. Their bowling attack has a lot of variety – Qais’ spin, swing offered by Payne, and Naseem’s speed. It’s clear Curran trusts their abilities to chase a target under lights."
The match is yet to begin. The Warriorz is currently at 0/0 after 0.2 overs. Early days yet. But it’s already tense. If it goes on for long, it should get interesting.
Which Team is Stronger?
Paper-wise, Desert Vipers are the better side. They've won 7 of their 9 matches and are a well-oiled machine that boasts strong batting and bowling. Their NRR of +0.446 simply means they've been mowing down team after team with ease, such as in their recent victories against弱)] Obviously stronger than before, Sam Curran has hit 260 runs and picked wickets with his bowling. Jason Roy's opening sparks the innings, and their spinners have choked the opposition in the mid-session.
Sharjah Warriorz have just 3 victories in 9 games and have consistency issues. But it must be noted that they have match-winning players too: Raza’s all-round performance—remember his hat-trick performance in previous ILT20 versions?—and Rashid’s experience. Vipers have an edge over Warriorz with four victories in six encounters; their earlier victory this season was by four wickets.
Form: Vipers have slipped somewhat into a mini-slump having lost two out of three, but these have come against strong opposition. Warriorz have ended a run of defeats last match but require a miracle. In Sharjah, it may be beneficial for Warriorz to bat first and score 180+ but Vipers' record on approaching challenges is phenomenal.
On the basis of form, statistical analysis, and current venue conditions, I’d place the chances of winning in favour of Desert Vipers with 70% probability, while those of Sharjah Warriorz stand at 30%. The reasons here go to Vipers’ winning streak, NRR, and the fact that key contributors to their side are in form. Forebet prediction models suggest Vipers to be 67% likely to win a simulation. Chasing with heaviest dew would be ideal for Vipers. But if Warriorz get to bat first, and Raza performs well, their chance to beat Vipers is possible at 30%—of course, unpredictabilities in cricket prevail here! Vipers are currently favorites at 1.50, while those of Warriorz stand at 2.50 prior to kick-off matches.
The Points Table So Far: A Detailed Breakdown
27 matches played, and the list is crystal clear. Here is the current points table:
ILT20 2025-26 League Standings
| Team | Played | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Vipers | 9 | 7 | 2 | 14 | +0.446 |
| MI Emirates | 9 | 6 | 3 | 12 | +0.720 |
| Dubai Capitals | 9 | 5 | 4 | 10 | +0.312 |
| Gulf Giants | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | -0.150 |
| Sharjah Warriorz | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | -0.864 |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | -0.520 |
(Note: I've gathered this information from trusted sources such as ESPN CricInfo, previews, etc., as there were discrepancies on the official website. This may vary marginally after the end of the game.)
There’s a clear top three, with the last three fighting for a spot. Vipers are way ahead, but MI can still win against them. The NRR fight for a spot in the last three is very important, especially for Warriorz, who will have to win by a large margin.
What Are the Pre-Season Matchups for Each Team?
Playoffs would be held on the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of January 2026. Only the top four teams can progress. Congrats to the teams that advanced, the Desert Vipers, MI Emirates, and Dubai Capitals. There’s a tie for the fourth spot between the Gulf Giants, Sharjah Warriorz, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, all
- Sharjah Warriorz (today vs Vipers, then done): Must win today by a huge margin (e.g., 50+ runs or chase with 5+ overs left) to boost NRR above -0.520 (ADKR's). Even then, they need Giants and Knight Riders to lose their remaining games. If Warriorz win and others draw/lose, NRR decides. Chance: Slim, 20-25%.
- Gulf Giants (next vs Knight Riders): qualifies if they a drawa draw/loss. /loss. a the Warriorzbetta drawins,w/lossthe Warrior. n anthe Warriorzd Warriorwins,z losthe Warriorze. If wins,Warriorz win, Giants must wwins,in anda better have better NRR. Safe for fourth spot.
- Abu Dhabi Knight Ridera betters (coming agthe Giants,ainst Giants): As is the ca betterase with Giants, it’s win and hope. Their NRR is a factor ahead of Warriorz.
In scenarios involvinthe Giants,g tiecomplicated,-breakers, things become complicated; but for the sake of clarity: Today’s outcome for Warriorz: Do or Die. Vipers Win: Warriorz oucomplicated,t; GWin:Win: Thethe Giants,Win: Thesthe Gifourthants,he winnersht Rcomplicatedfourththe winnerscomplicated,,reakersrs Win: Fourth spot goes —Theto winners of Giants and Knight Riders. Big Win for Warriorz: Possibility of three teams tying for secondtiebreakersWin: The platiebreakers or Head-to-Head tie-breakers apply.
ILT20 2025-26: Season’s Standout Players
| Category | Player | Team | Stats | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Jordan Cox | Dubai Capitals | 298 runs, Avg 42.57, SR 145.85 | Highest 85* vs MI Emirates; 5 scores of 40+; excellent spin play |
| Honorable Mentions (Batsmen) | Nicholas Pooran / Muhammad Waseem / Sam Curran | MI Emirates / UAE / Desert Vipers | Pooran: 267 runs, SR 160+ | Waseem: 266 runs | Curran: 260 runs | Aggressive hitting, consistent middle-order contributions |
| Best Bowler | Fazalhaq Farooqi | MI Emirates | 21 wickets, Avg 14.52, Econ 7.20 | Best 5/18 vs Gulf Giants; 12 powerplay wickets; versatile pace & yorkers |
| Honorable Mentions (Bowlers) | Jason Holder / Blessing Muzarabani | ADKR / Gulf Giants | Holder: 17 wickets | Muzarabani: 16 wickets | Consistent wicket-takers in middle & death overs |
| Most Boundaries | Shayan Jahangir | Dubai Capitals | 39 boundaries (28 fours, 11 sixes) | 14 boundaries in one innings vs Desert Vipers; SR 150+, aggressive intent |
| Other Notable Boundary Hitters | Nicholas Pooran / Muhammad Waseem | MI Emirates / UAE | Pooran: many sixes, fewer fours | Waseem: balanced hitting | Boosted team totals, consistent boundary scoring |
Conclusion:
Hello cricket fans! As we sit here on December 26, 2025, with the match in progress or maybe even finished, depending on the timing of this read, between the Sharjah Warriorz and the Desert Vipers, it’s the perfect time to look back on what has been nothing short of an absolute roller coaster ride that this ILT20 season has proven to be. And this season has provided all that we ask for in a T20: flat UAE surfaces, explosive batting, intelligent variations in damp conditions, nail-raising chasing efforts, and the excitement in the stadiums from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to Sharjah.
The Desert Vipers have clearly been the leaders, with their well-rounded attacking skills and clinical displays leading the charge. Sam Curran’s all-round (takingtalents have been a game-changer, while their bowHe has the mostlintis third ovspinners,1stattack,ck full of quicks and attack,, unfortunately,spinnerspinners,s has been choking their opponents to death. The MI Emiis third overallrates and Dubai power-hitter been right behind, with their powespinners,playoffsr-hitters Nicholas Pooran leading the charge to keep their hopes alive in the playoff spots. Then there’s been a fierce tussle among teams in the lower table, wthe Eliminatorith Gulf Giantthe 1st, unfortunately,night Rider, unfortunately,power-hitternately our current unders, the Sharjah Warriorz, battling every inch to move to the fourth spot.
This season, it’s been noticeable how there are rising stars along with existing stars. There’s been plenty of bowling performances, including that of Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, youngsters making a mark, and enough boundary-taking games that have taken scores over 200 on a regular basis. The current format of holding league games in this December-January window has proven to be a blessing in disguise for various reasons—one being that there are no conflicts with bigger events.
So, looking towards the future, with a few more games left in the league beforeplayoffss,of the plFrequentlyay-offs (Qualifier 1 set for around December 30, culminating in the finals on January 4, 2026), the pace has started to close. Desert Vipers appear poised for a finals spot, perhaps an unbeaten season, but in the case of T20, a single poor performance can flip the script. Sharjah Warriorz have a long shot if they pull a surprise win today.
In the end, ILT20 remains on the upgrade as a T20 league in the world, mixing the international appeal with the UAE’s love for the game. It’s not all about the victories. It’s all about the action, the progress of the local players, and the unforgettable moments in the floodlights. Whoever takes home the trophy istime Questions,Questions,out, it’s a winner in my books already.Frequentlyo the playoffs!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
When does the ILT20 2025-26 season end, and when are the playoffs? The league stage wraps up around December 28, 2025, with the last few matches. Playoffs start soon after: Qualifier 1 on or around December 30, Eliminator on January 1, 2026, Qualifier 2 on January 2, and the grand final on January 4, 2026. It's a quick, intense finish!
How many teams qualify for the playoffs? The top four teams on the points table after the league stage (30 matches in double round-robin) advance. The format is standard: 1st vs 2nd in Qualifier 1 (winner to final), 3rd vs 4th in Eliminator (winner to Qualifier 2 vs loser of Q1), and then the final.
Which teams have already qualified for the playoffs as of December 26? Desert Vipers, MI Emirates, and Dubai Capitals are safely through. The fourth spot is still up for grabs between Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and possibly Sharjah Warriorz (depending on today's result and big NRR swings).
Where can I watch ILT20 matches live? Matches are broadcast on various platforms depending on your region—Zee network in India, major sports channels globally, and streaming on apps like FanCode, Zee5, or the official ILT20 app/website for highlights and live scores. Check local listings for free-to-air options in the UAE.
Who is the leading run-scorer this season? It's been a tight race, but players like Jordan Cox (Dubai Capitals) and Shayan Jahangir have been among the top with consistent scores around 280-300 runs. Nicholas Pooran and Muhammad Waseem are close behind with their aggressive knocks.
Who has taken the most wickets so far? Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates) leads comfortably with over 20 wickets, thanks to his swing and yorkers. He's been the bowler to watch!
Which player has hit the most boundaries? Shayan Jahangir stands out for his clean hitting, racking up the highest number of boundaries with a mix of crisp fours and powerful sixes. Johnson Charles isn't far off with his six-hitting prowess.
What's the venue for today's match (Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers)? It's at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium—known for short boundaries and high-scoring games. Dew often plays a role in evening matches, favoring the chasing side.