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
Dubai Capitals face Desert Vipers in the latest instalment of the ILT20 2023.
Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Saturday, January 28.
The game was be played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Vipers have managed to navigate the inclement weather over the last couple of days and are yet to have a washout.
They are second in the table with four wins from five, returning to winning ways against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Capitals may have seen their last match with Sharjah Warriors rained off after just five overs were bowled, but they might also have been a touch fortunate at the same time.
When the heavens opened they had been reduced to 17 for 4, with Junaid Siddique having claimed 2 for 4.
Currently outside of the semi-final places, Capitals have won two of their six matches and badly need a return to winning ways.
Sherfane Rutherford (ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
Away from Alex Hales and Colin Munro, Sherfane Rutherford has found form of late and comes into the game looking to maintain his run.
Scores of 56 not out, 27 not out and 23 have helped him achieve an average of 118 from five matches, giving Vipers depth to their line.
Capitals have shared the wickets around their line-up but keeping the runs down will be equally as important against this powerful line-up.
United Arab Emirates international Akid Raja is their leading wicket-taker with six in as many matches.
But Vipers may eye his economy rate of 9.38 and sense that he can be got at on these tired surfaces.
It should be a much more tranquil afternoon in Dubai, with sunny skies making way for a clear evening.
Having seen rain curtail their last encounter, Capitals can expect to be unchanged.
Vipers produced a polished display in beating MI Emirates and the same XI, with Hales opening, is likely.
Dubai Capitals: Rovman Powell (c), Dasun Shanaka, Fabian Allen, Mujeeb Rahman, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Isuru Udana, Sikandar Raza, Hazratullah Zazai, Chirag Suri, Daniel Lawrence, Jash Ginayani, Niroshan Dickwella, Fred Klaassen, George Munsey, Hazrat Luqman, Akif Raja, Joe Root, Robin Uthappa, Ravi Bopara, Yusuf Pathan, Ollie White
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
*Squads are for the whole ILT20 and not specific to this match
Capitals are running out of time to stake a claim for a semi-final place (KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)
Dubai Capitals: Robin Uthappa, Joe Root, Rovman Powell, Yusuf Pathan, Dan Lawrence, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Fred Klaassen, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Hazrat Luqman, Akif Raja
Desert Vipers: Alex Hales, Rohan Mustafa, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Sherfane Rutherford, Benny Howell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, Sheldon Cottrell, Shiraz Ahmed
Desert Vipers start as favourites with bookmakers Boyle Sports offering odds of 8/15. Dubai Capitals are the major outsiders at 6/4.
Vipers have shown the better form thus far in the competition and are genuine title contenders due to their bowling attack. Capitals might be their latest victims.
Tickets are available on Platinum List. Child tickets are available for just $2.81 while adult tickets start at $8.42.
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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