ILT20: VIP vs GG 8th Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

VIP vs GG Match Preview – The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 is set for a blockbuster clash as the two unbeaten sides, the Desert Vipers (VIP) and the Gulf Giants (GG), lock horns in the 8th match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have started their campaign with two commanding victories, making this encounter a battle for outright supremacy at the top of the points table.

The Gulf Giants currently hold the coveted top spot thanks to their superior Net Run Rate (NRR). They have been powered by the explosive opening form of Pathum Nissanka and the all-round brilliance of Azmatullah Omarzai. Conversely, the Desert Vipers, runners-up in the previous season, have showcased their batting depth, with crucial contributions from Shimron Hetmyer and a reliable bowling attack led by their spin twins, Qais Ahmad and Noor Ahmad.

VIP vs GG Match Details

VIP vs GG Head-to-Head

Despite the Gulf Giants holding the current NRR advantage, the historical record strongly favors the Desert Vipers.

VIP vs GG Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to offer a balanced wicket for this evening encounter.

• Pace vs. Spin: Pacers have traditionally found good support, accounting for 35 of the last 60 wickets at this venue, though spinners also claim a significant share (25 wickets).

• Scoring: The pitch has been conducive to batting in the early stages of the tournament, with the average first-innings score hovering around 157-160.

• Toss Factor: The recent trend in the ILT20 2025-26 season sees chasing teams prevailing. Historically, the team winning the toss at this venue has shown a strong preference (73%) to bowl first, anticipating dew and a successful chase.

VIP vs GG Weather Report

The weather in Dubai on Monday evening is forecast to be partly cloudy, with minimal risk of interruption.

• Temperature: Comfortable playing conditions, with the temperature around 28°C dropping towards the 21°C low.

• Rain Threat: The chance of precipitation is low, at only 10%.

• Conditions: Clear and dry conditions are expected, though humidity may be a factor, contributing to potential dew in the later stages of the match.

VIP vs GG Probable Playing11

Desert Vipers (VIP): Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Sam Curran (c), Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer, Hasan Nawaz, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Naseem Shah, Khuzaima Tanveer, Max Holden.

Gulf Giants (GG): Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Moeen Ali (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Tom Moores (wk), Liam Dawson, Aayan Khan, Mark Adair, Gerhard Erasmus, Nuwan Thushara.

VIP vs GG Match Prediction

This is a true contest between an in-form GG top-order and a historically dominant VIP side.

• GG’s Advantage: The Giants are riding the wave of Pathum Nissanka’s exceptional form, who has scored back-to-back half-centuries. The all-round contribution of Azmatullah Omarzai (5 wickets in the tournament) makes their bowling attack lethal.

• VIP’s Challenge: The Vipers have shown they can win from tough positions, evidenced by their narrow two-wicket victory in the last game. Their strength lies in their strong middle order and a potent spin attack led by the Afghan duo, Noor Ahmad and Qais Ahmad.

Despite the Vipers’ winning streak against the Giants, the current momentum and superior NRR favour the Gulf Giants. Their recent ability to chase successfully, combined with the excellent form of their top-order batsmen and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round impact, makes them the slight favourites to hand the Vipers their first defeat of the season.

Prediction: Gulf Giants to win.