ILT20 2023 match preview: Desert Vipers v Gulf Giants

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

What's the match?

Desert Vipers face Gulf Giants in the latest installment of the ILT20 2023. 

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 2pm local time (10am GMT) on Sunday, January 22.

Where is the match being played?

The game was be played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. 

Who's got the form?

Barring any surprise rainfall, one of these two sides will see their unbeaten record come to an end in Dubai.

Desert Vipers currently occupy top spot in the table after winning all three of their matches to date and amassing an imposing +3.159 strike rate. In their most recent outing, they inflicted a crushing 111-run defeat on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders thanks to a century from Alex Hales (110 off 59).

Gulf Giants, meanwhile, have also made it through the first three matches unscathed, with wins over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals (twice). Like the Vipers, they enter this clash off the back of an emphatic win, bowling the Capitals out for 80 in Sharjah to complete a 101-run demolition.

James Vince [Karim Sahib/Getty Images]

What's the key match-up?

Desert Vipers' success to date has largely hinged on the form of Alex Hales, who has scored 257 runs at a strike rate of 162.65 in three matches, including a century in their previous game. Two player of the match gongs further demonstrate his dominance.

It will be an interesting contest against a strong Gulf Giants bowling attack - Chris Jordan has taken six wickets while David Wiese has five.

For Gulf Giants, the same can be said of opener James Vince, who has three half-centuries in three appearances and a strike rate of 151.35. Attempting to stop him are Wanindu Hasaranga and Sheldon Cottrell, both of whom have collected five wickets.

Should either Vince or Hales be dismissed cheaply, it will be exciting to see how their teammates fare.

What's the weather forecast?

A sunny yet mild day, with highs of 22 degrees Celsius around the start of play.

What is the team news?

With both sides coming into this clash unbeaten and off the back of huge victories, changes are unlikely from either camp.

So far, both teams have nine ever-present players, showcasing their reluctance to tamper with a winning formula.

What are the squads?

Desert Vipers: Colin Munro (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Sam Billings, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Matheesha Pathirana, Sherfane Rutherford, Sheldon Cottrell, Benny Howell, Ruben Trumpelmann, Mark Watt, Tymal Mills, Adam Lyth, Rohan Mustafa, Shiraz Ahmad, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly, Dinesh Chandimal, Gus Atkinson, Jake Lintott

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

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

^{Alex Hales [ILT20 screengrab]}

What are the possible starting XIs?

Desert Vipers: Alex Hales, Rohan Mustafa, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Sherfane Rutherford, Benny Howell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, Sheldon Cottrell, Shiraz Ahmed

Gulf Giants:  James Vince, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Lynn, Gerhard Erasmus, Shimron Hetmyer, David Wiese, Ashwanth Chidambaram, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Sanchit Sharma, Richard Gleeson

What are the odds?

Desert Vipers are the favourites with Paddy Power, who price them at 8/11 for the win. Gulf Giants are an attractive even-money shout.

What's the prediction?

Both teams are equally matched and have been unbeaten this season so far. However, given the team balance, combination and form, the Desert Vipers are slightly ahead of the Gulf Giants. 

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available on Platinum List. Child tickets are available for just $2.81 while adult tickets start at $8.42.

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.