ILT20 2023 match preview: Dubai Capitals v MI Emirates

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?

Dubai Capitals take on MI Emirates in the latest instalment of the ILT20 2023. 

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Sunday, February 5.

Where is the match being played?

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

Who's got the form?

Dubai Capitals have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. They have won two, lost two and seen one of their past five matches called off. Both defeats came against high-flying Desert Vipers.

MI Emirates come into this game having already qualified for the knockout phase. They have won five and lost three of their nine matches so far this term, including a win over lowly Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their most recent outing. 

Dubai Capitals won the corresponding meeting between the sides earlier this season, by 16 runs.

Dubai Capitals have been inconsistent (Getty Images)

What's the key match-up?

Two of the tournament's top batsmen feature for MI Emirates in this one. If Dubai Capitals can keep Kieron Pollard (337 runs, striking above 198) and Muhammed Waseem (303 runs, striking at 143) quiet at either end of the innings, they'll give themselves a chance. 

What's the weather forecast?

A sunny but mild day with temperatures expected to hit 22 degrees Celsius. 

What is the team news?

Joe Root has left the Dubai Capitals squad to be with England on their Test trip to New Zealand.

What are the squads?

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

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

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

^{MI Emirates have qualified for the playoffs (screengrab/ILT20)}

What are the possible starting XIs?

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

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

What are the odds?

MI Emirates are favourites to win the match with Betfair offering odds of 4/7. Dubai Capitals are the rank outsiders at 7/5.

What's the prediction?

MI Emirates have the clout Dubai Capitals are lacking. Away win.

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.