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The battle for a place in the playoffs has intensified in the International League T20, 2025 as MI Emirates take on Sharjah Warriorz in the 28th match of the season. MI Emirates, the defending champions, are on the verge of securing a playoff spot after a solid victory against the Gulf Giants. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Warriorz enter this contest on a high, having defeated the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their last game.
The head-to-head record favors MI Emirates, who have won all five encounters against the Warriorz. With their bowlers in excellent form, MIE will be confident of continuing their dominance. However, SW will aim to break the losing streak against MIE and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Match Details
| Match | MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz |
|---|---|
| Tournament | International League T20, 2025 |
| Match Number | 28th Match |
| Date | 2nd February 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar |
Team Previews
MI Emirates Preview
MI Emirates have been one of the most dominant sides in the tournament. Led by Nicholas Pooran, they are second on the points table and just one step away from confirming their place in the playoffs. The team comes into this game after a 5-wicket win against the Gulf Giants, where Pooran played a crucial role with the bat.
The opening pair of Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem has been impressive, providing quick starts. Pooran, Tom Banton, and Kusal Perera add stability in the middle order. Bevon Jacobs and Romario Shepherd bring firepower in the lower middle order.
The bowling unit has had an up-and-down season. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Akeal Hosein will lead the attack with the new ball, while Alzarri Joseph and Waqar Salamkheil will look to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs. Muhammad Rohid Khan and Shepherd must step up in supporting roles to contain runs in the death overs.
Key Players: Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein
MI Emirates Predicted Playing XI:
- Nicholas Pooran (c & wk)
- Andre Fletcher
- Muhammad Waseem
- Tom Banton
- Romario Shepherd
- Bevon Jacobs
- Akeal Hosein
- Muhammad Rohid Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Waqar Salamkheil
- Alzarri Joseph
Impact Player: Kusal Perera
Sharjah Warriorz Preview
Sharjah Warriors have shown glimpses of brilliance but have struggled for consistency. Their victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the last game kept their playoff chances alive, but they face an uphill task against MIE, whom they have never defeated in the league’s history.
The top order featuring Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles has been in good form, with Charles scoring a match-winning 65 in the previous game. Jason Roy, Tim Seifert, and Rohan Mustafa form the middle order, but their inconsistency has been a concern.
In the bowling department, captain Tim Southee leads the pace attack alongside Adam Milne and Dilshan Madushanka. The spin duo of Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar has been effective, and they will be crucial on the Abu Dhabi pitch, which offers some assistance to the spinners.
Key Players: Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Adam Zampa, Tim Southee
Sharjah Warriorz Predicted Playing XI:
- Tim Southee (c)
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Jason Roy
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Ethan D’Souza
- Harmeet Singh
- Ashton Agar
- Rohan Mustafa
- Adam Milne
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Adam Zampa
Impact Player: Johnson Charles
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keepers | Nicholas Pooran (C) | MI Emirates |
| Tim Seifert | Sharjah Warriorz | |
| Batters | Andre Fletcher (VC) | MI Emirates |
| Tom Kohler-Cadmore | Sharjah Warriorz | |
| Johnson Charles | Sharjah Warriorz | |
| All-Rounders | Romario Shepherd | MI Emirates |
| Rohan Mustafa | Sharjah Warriorz | |
| Akeal Hosein | MI Emirates | |
| Bowlers | Alzarri Joseph | MI Emirates |
| Adam Zampa | Sharjah Warriorz | |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | MI Emirates |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Report
The weather in Abu Dhabi is expected to be clear, with no chance of rain. The temperature will hover around 20°C, and there will be mild winds throughout the game.
Pitch Report – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium has been batting-friendly, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Spinners have enjoyed some assistance, while fast bowlers have found it challenging to extract movement. The average first-innings score here in the last 12 months has been 185 runs.
Toss: To Bowl
Chasing teams have won 12 out of the last 20 games at this venue. With dew expected in the second half, teams will prefer to bowl first and chase down a target comfortably.
MIE vs SW – Winning Prediction
The Sharjah Warriorz have lacked consistency and have struggled to finish games under pressure. Their record against MI Emirates is poor, and with MI Emirates in strong form, it will take something special from SW to turn things around.
On the other hand, MI Emirates have a well-balanced team, with their batting and bowling departments clicking at the right time. Their top order is in great touch, and their spin attack is expected to play a key role in this match.
Prediction: MI Emirates to win
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