ILT20 2023 match preview: Gulf Giants v Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2023 ILT20

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What's the match?

Gulf Giants face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the latest installment of the ILT20 2023. 

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Wednesday, January 24.

Where is the match being played?

The game is to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. 

Who's got the form?

Gulf Giants lost their unbeaten record last time out, falling short against Sharjah Warriors on Monday.

But they will be confident of returning to winning ways against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, without a win in the inauural ILT20 having lost all five of their matches so far.

James Vince has been one of the tournament's standout batters, with only Alex Hales more prolific so far. He has been well supported by Shimron Hetmyer and Chris Lynn.

For Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, only Andre Russell has scored more than 100 runs so far.

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Gulf Giants are top of the table (Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images)

What's the key match-up?

Getting rid of Vince early will be key for Knight Riders, particularly with Lynn and Hetmyer in decent form in the middle order.

On a surface that assisted the seamers at the same ground on Monday, Giants were rolled, with Vince going second ball and Rehan Ahmed - his surprise opening partner - cutting to point without scoring. Only Lynn in their top seven made double figures.

Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with 65 for Abu Dhabi in their last outing, but they were beaten by MI Emirates.

What's the weather forecast?

Showers are expected in Dubai on Wednesday, with temperates around 21 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

Tom Banton came into the middle order for Gulf Giants last time out, taking the gloves off Ollie Pope. Jamie Overton has long since returned home with a stress fracture.

For Abu Dhabi, the wait goes on for a maiden win. Marchant de Lange could come in for Lahiru Kumara.

What are the squads?

Gulf Giants: Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Dominic Drakes, David Wiese, Jamie Overton, Richard Gleeson, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, James Vince (c), Qais Ahmad, Ollie Pope, Aayan Khan, Sanchit Sharma, CP Rizwaan, Ashwant Valthapa, Tom Helm, Gerhard Erasmus

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Kennar Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover, Sabir Ali, Matiullah Khan, Zawar Farid, Fahad Nawaz, Marchant de Lange, Dhananjaya de Silva, Connor Esterhuizen, Traveen Mathew

*Squads are for the whole ILT20 and not specific to this match

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Knight Riders are winless (Francois Nel/Getty Images)

What are the possible starting XIs?

Gulf Giants: Rehan Ahmed, James Vince, Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Shimron Hetmyer, Aayan Khan, Liam Dawson, David Wiese, Chris Jordan, Sanchit Sharma, Richard Gleeson

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Brandon King, Kennar Lewis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Andre Russell, Raymon Reifer, Akeal Hosein, Sunil Narine, Zawar Farid, Marchant de Lange, Sabir Ali

What are the odds?

Odds to come when available.

What's the prediction?

Gulf Giants should have too much for Knight Riders.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available on Platinum List. Tickets are available for just $2.81.

Where can I watch the game?

ZEE have obtained the broadcast rights for the ILT20 on a long-term deal.

All 34 matches will be aired across the company's 10 linear channels, with coverage provided in more than 10 languages, including English, Hindi and Tamil, as well as on ZEE5 Global.

In the UK, Zee TV can be accessed via channel 709 on Sky and channel 809 on Virgin Media. Every match will also be available via BT Sport (TV/online/app) following a deal betwee the broadcaster and Zee.

Elsewhere in the world, the full tournament will be available via Zee Cinema (SD/HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, ZEE Thirai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD/HD), &Pictures, &Flix, and ZEE5.


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