ILT20 2023 - Eliminator 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 take on Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator match in the ILT20 2023 playoffs.

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Thursday, February 9.

Where is the match being played?

The game was be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Who's got the form?

Despite finishing with a better overall record, MI Emirates were beaten by Dubai Capitals in both of their meetings during the regular season.

They met most recently on Sunday (February 5), with the Capitals chasing down 164 with 11 balls and seven wickets to spare.

Both sides struggled for consistency during the group stages, with MI Emirates winning five matches from 10 and Dubai Capitals winning four.

Kieron Pollard is among the top-10 run-scorers (Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images)

What's the key match-up?

MI Emirates have four of the top-10 run-scorers in their team in Kieron Pollard, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Fletcher. The pressure will be on Adam Zampa - Dubai Capitals' standout bowler - to keep them under wraps.

Dasun Shanaka will be looking to carry his form from Sunday's meeting into this match - the Sri Lankan scored 58 not out to pick up player of the match honours.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunny skies are expected in Sharjah, with temperatures touching 22 degrees Celsius throughout the day.

What is the team news?

MI Emirates will be hoping to call on Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, who were both absent from their side's most recent outing. Pooran captained the side in Pollard's absence.

Yusuf Pathan replaced Rovman Powell as skipper ahead of the Capitals' final group match and will lead his side in the knockout stages.

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, Jake Ball, Adam Zampa

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

^{Dubai Capitals bowler Adam Zampa (ILT20)}

What are the possible starting XIs?

MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran, Lorcan Tucker, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Zahir Khan, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Imran Tahir, Dan Mousley

Dubai Capitals: Robin Uthappa, George Munsey, Dasun Shanaka, Rovman Powell, Sikandar Raza, Yusuf Pathan, Adam Zampa, Fred Klaassen, Jake Ball, Hazrat Luqman, Akif Raja

What are the odds?

MI Emirates are the favourites to advance, with PaddyPower offering odds of 4/6. Dubai Capitals are available at 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Despite the Dubai Capitals having the better of the contests in the group stage, a full strength MI Emirates team should have enough to see them through to the next round.

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.