GG vs VIP Match Preview – An exciting rivalry is set to reignite as the Desert Vipers (VIP) take on the Gulf Giants (GG) in a pivotal match of the International League T20 2025-26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, December 12th. The Desert Vipers enter the clash as the tournament’s only undefeated team, currently sitting atop the points table. The Gulf Giants are close behind, having won three of their four matches. This fixture is crucial, as a win for the Giants could see them match the Vipers’ points tally and potentially claim the top spot.
The previous encounter between these two sides in the current season was an absolute thriller, with the Desert Vipers narrowly prevailing in a Super Over. This history, coupled with the Vipers’ complete dominance over the Giants in the past, sets the stage for a high-stakes and potentially fiery contest.
GG vs VIP Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Gulf Giants (GG) vs Desert Vipers (VIP), Match 12 |
| Series | International League T20, 2025-26 |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE |
| Date & Time (IST) | Friday, December 12, 2025, 12:00 PM |
| Live Telecast | FanCode, Zee5 |
GG vs VIP Head-to-Head
The Desert Vipers have a historically superior record against the Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
| Format | Total Matches | Gulf Giants Won | Desert Vipers Won | Tied |
| T20 (ILT20) | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
The Vipers have won all five of their encounters against the Giants, including a recent victory that was decided in a Super Over.
GG vs VIP Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Dubai is known to be balanced but has seen an improvement for batters as the tournament has progressed.
Average Score: The average score in the last four matches at this venue is around 169 runs, but historical averages have hovered in the mid-150s.
Pace vs. Spin: Pacers have been more successful in taking wickets, accounting for about 65% of the dismissals. However, spinners have provided more control.
Toss Factor: The team winning the toss is expected to opt to bowl first. Historically, the team batting second has won approximately 60.3% of the time at this venue. Dew is also anticipated to play a role in the second innings.
GG vs VIP Weather Report
The weather forecast for Dubai on December 12th is expected to be fair and suitable for cricket.
Temperature: The high temperature is expected to be around 29°C and the low around 21°C.
Rain Threat: There is only a minimal chance of rain during the day, with conditions expected to be partly sunny. There are general forecasts for cloudy skies and a chance of showers in the region through the week, but the match is not expected to be interrupted.
GG vs VIP Probable Playing11
Gulf Giants (GG): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Pathum Nissanka, James Vince (c), Moeen Ali, Tom Moores, Azmatullah Omarzai, Liam Dawson, Gerhard Erasmus, Mark Adair, Aayan Afzal Khan, Nuwan Thushara.
Desert Vipers (VIP): Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer, Max Holden, Sam Curran, Hasan Nawaz, Lockie Ferguson (c), Khuzaima Tanveer, Noor Ahmad, David Payne.
GG vs VIP Team Analysis and Key Players
Gulf Giants (GG)
The Giants boast a formidable opening pair in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the in-form Pathum Nissanka, who is one of the leading run-scorers in the tournament. Azmatullah Omarzai is the team’s key all-rounder, excelling with both bat and ball, and is one of the leading wicket-takers. The middle order features captain James Vince and the experienced Moeen Ali.
Desert Vipers (VIP)
The Vipers’ strength lies in their consistency and depth. Dan Lawrence has been the Vipers’ most consistent batter and their leading run-scorer. Opener Andries Gous has also been impressive. With the ball, David Payne is the leading wicket-taker for the Vipers, supported by the local talent Khuzaima Tanveer and the mystery spin of Noor Ahmad. The presence of world-class all-rounders like Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga (though his inclusion in the playing XI is uncertain) provides immense balance.
GG vs VIP Match Prediction
This is a tough match to call, as both teams are in excellent form. The Desert Vipers hold a significant psychological advantage, having never lost to the Gulf Giants in the ILT20. Their current unbeaten streak also speaks volumes about their confidence and balance.
However, the Gulf Giants are closing the gap, having taken the Vipers to a Super Over in their last encounter. The individual brilliance of Pathum Nissanka and Azmatullah Omarzai could turn the tide.
Given the Vipers’ dominance in the head-to-head record and their winning streak, they remain the marginal favorites, but the Giants are expected to push them harder than ever before. The toss will be crucial, with the team chasing having a higher probability of success.
Prediction: Desert Vipers to win in a close contest.
