ILT20 2023 match preview: MI Emirates v Dubai Capitals

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?

MI Emirates face Dubai Capitals 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 Sunday, January 22.

Where is the match being played?

The game was be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 

Who's got the form?

The late, late show against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders brought MI Emirates their third win out of three on Saturday evening.

MI are one of three teams with identical win-loss records this term, but sit third in the table by virtue of an inferior net run rate.

Dubai Capitals have only won once in four matches, and lost their most recent fixture to Sharjah Warriors, who previously hadn't tasted victory this season.

With the bat, MI Emirates' important innings have been shared around the same, with Mohammad Wasim, Andre Fletcher and Najibullah Zadran contributing. Dwayne Bravo has popped up with quick and crucial runs at the death.

Dubai Capitals have three players with more than 100 runs in the tournament: Joe Root, Robin Uthappa and Rovman Powell.

With the ball, four of the MI Emirates' first-choice attack are going at 7 runs per over or below in the competition: Imran Tahir, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Trent Boult, and Bravo.

MI Emirates are on a roll [Getty Images]

What's the key match-up?

Dubai Capitals' bowling has left something to be desired so far this season. After beating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders handsomely in their opening match, they have shipped 183 for 4, 181 for 6 and 182 for 3 in the three games since - the last of which was brought up by Sharjah Warriors in just 14.4 overs.

If MI Emirates get their claws in, particularly with the death hitting potentiall of Najibullah, Pollard and Bravo, it could be a long night again.

What's the weather forecast?

A sunny yet mild day, with highs of 21 degrees Celsius around the start of play.

What is the team news?

MI Emirates will only change up their lineup from Saturday in the event of a fitness issue brought up during the game, but may well stick with the same side.

Dubai Capitals must be tempted to find a different way to counter opposition with the ball, and could call up Dutch left-armer Fred Klaassen. The omission of Sikandar Raza on Saturday could be reversed. 

What are the squads?

MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard (c), Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, Andre Fletcher, Imran Tahir, Samit Patel, Will Smeed, Jordan Thompson, Najibullah Zadran, Zahir Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Brad Wheal, Bas de Leede, Muhammad Waseem, Basil Hameed, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Craig Overton, Tom Lammonby, Dan Mousley, McKenny Clarke, Lorcan Tucker

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

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

^{Dubai Capitals have won once in four games [Getty Images]}

What are the possible starting XIs?

MI Emirates: Will Smeed, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Poora, Andre Fletcher, Kieron Pollard, Najibullah Zadran, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Trent Boult, Imran Tahir, Zahoor Khan

Dubai Capitals: Robin Uthappa, Joe Root, Chirag Suri, Dan Lawrence, Sikandar Raza, Rovman Powell, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Fred Klaassen, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Hazrat Luqman

What are the odds?

Dubai Capitals are outsiders at 6/4 with Paddy Power. MI Emirates are short-odds favourites at 1/2.

What's the prediction?

MI Emirates have too much in all departments.

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.