ILT20 2023 match preview: Sharjah Warriors v Desert Vipers

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?

Sharjah Warriors face table-toppers Desert Vipers in the ILT20 2023.

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Tuesday, January 31.

Where is the match being played?

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

Who's got the form?

It's first (Desert Vipers) versus fourth (Sharjah Warriors) in this clash, with the semi-finals just around the corner.

Home side, Sharjah Warriors, are unbeaten in their last four, recording three wins and a no result after their slow start to the 2023 campaign. Sitting on seven points, they comfortably saw off Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by four wickets last time out.

After racing to the top of the table with three wins from the opening three games, Desert Vipers have slowed down their winning form of late. They only remain in top spot as a result of winning more matches than second-placed Gulf Giants (also on 10 points). Desert Vipers struggled last time out against MI Emirates, conceding 241 runs before being bowled out for 84.

When these two sides met earlier in the competition, the Vipers won by seven wickets.

Alex Hales (ILT20)

What's the key match-up?

Alex Hales was the player of the match when these two sides met on January 15, scoring 83 not out from 52 balls to help the Vipers cruise to victory.

In total, he has scored 434 runs, including one century and four half-centuries, at a strike rate of 157.81.

And although the Vipers have demonstrated their ability to win without contributions from Hales, getting the Nottinghamshire batter out early is a must - otherwise he will wreak havoc in the powerplay.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunshine is expected in Sharjah, with temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

Sharjah Warriors have suffered the loss of a number of seasoned campaigners owing to England's ongoing ODI series, including Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and Chris Woakes. Joe Denly has stepped in as captain.

Marcus Stoinis has just joined the squad, playing his first game of the competition last time out after arriving from the Big Bash.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) is a recent departee from the league leaders but Luke Wood's arrival is a boost. The Lancashire and England quick was the only bowler to concede fewer than 10 runs per over against MI Emirates.

What are the squads?

Sharjah Warriors: Moeen Ali (c), Dawid Malan, Evin Lewis, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Woakes, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Chris Benjamin, Mark Deyal, Bilal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Jawadullah, Marcus Stoinis, Jamal Todd, Joe Denly, Paul Walter

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, Luke Wood

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

^{Rahmanullah Gurbaz impressed last time out for Sharjah Warriors (ILT20)}

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sharjah Warriors: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tom Cohler-Kadmore, Joe Denly, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Hose, Paul Walter, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmed, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique

Desert Vipers: Rohan Mustafa, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Benny Howell, Sherfane Rutherford, Tom Curran, Luke Wood, Mark Watt, Gus Atkinson, Ali Naseer

What are the odds?

Desert Vipers are the overwhelming favourites for this fixture, with Paddy Power offering odds of 8/13. Sharjah Warriors are at 6/5.

What's the prediction?

Desert Vipers will hope to stay top of the table by returning to consistent winning form.

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.