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
Gulf Giants face Dubai Capitals in the latest installment of the ILT20 2023.
Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Thursday, January 19.
The game was be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
Gulf Giants are two from two, dining out on James Vince's excellent form and enjoying themselves in wins over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and, last time out, against Dubai Capitals, their opposition once again.
Capitals won their opener, with Joe Root in their ranks, but are in need of a response, particularly to prevent Giants from pulling away alongside MI Emirates, both with two wins from two so far.
Rehan Ahmed's promotion to the top of the order has been an exciting, if surprising, addition to Giants' strategy. Ollie Pope is yet to fire with the bat, but Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus impressed last time out.
James Vince is in fine form (Getty Images)
The key for Capitals is getting through Vince early. He has consecutive half centuries to begin the campaign, and perhaps it is no surprise that a quality player who came into this competition on the back of regular cricket with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash is finding it easier to turn it on than those who are ending winter breaks.
Robin Uthappa rolled back the years in the reverse fixture between these sides, smashing a quickfire 79, with Root his opening partner run out by Vince to break that stand.
Capitals captain Rovman Powell has also started well in an unfamiliar No.3 berth, while Sikandar Raza's superb 2022 has continued into the new year.
A slightly overcast day, with highs of 22 degrees Celsius around the start of play.
It's hard to see a change coming in Giants' line-up, with two wins from two, though Chris Lynn has arrived from the Big Bash, where he was the leading run-scorer at the time of his departure. Jamie Overton has a back problem.
For Capitals, there will be a temptation to squeeze another seamer in - perhaps in the shape of Fred Klaassen. There must also be concerns over the form of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, with several potential alternatives - Dan Lawrence, Niroshan Dickwella, George Munsey among them - in the middle order.
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
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
Joe Root is in Dubai Capitals' line-up (Getty Images)
Gulf Giants: James Vince, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Lynn, Ollie Pope, Gerhard Erasmus, David Wiese, Aayan Khan, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Sanchit Sharma, Richard Gleeson
Dubai Capitals: Robin Uthappa, Joe Root, Rovman Powell, Sikandar Raza, Dan Lawrence, Dasun Shanaka, Ravi Bopara, Isuru Udana, Hazrat Luqman, Mujeen Ur Rahman, Akif Raja
Paddy Power can't split them. Gulf Giants are available at 4/5, while Dubai Capitals are 10/11.
Gulf Giants have a more balanced side and better options across the board. They will expect to repeat their victory in the reverse fixture.
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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