VIP vs ADKR Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

VIP vs ADKR Match Preview – The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 season heats up tonight as two teams that began their campaigns with emphatic victories, Desert Vipers (VIP) and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR), face off in Match 4 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both sides carry momentum, with the Vipers having defeated the Dubai Capitals, and the Knight Riders smashing a huge total to beat the Sharjah Warriorz. This fixture promises a high-octane battle as the teams look to cement their spot at the top of the points table.

VIP vs ADKR Match Details

VIP vs ADKR Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between these two franchises is closely contested, though the Vipers hold a slight edge in their history.

VIP vs ADKR Match Preview & Current Form

Desert Vipers (VIP): The Vipers, who were runners-up in a previous season, started their campaign in style by defeating the defending champions. Their batting was led by a magnificent half-century from Andries Gous (58 runs). Their bowling attack, featuring the pace of David Payne and Khuzaima Tanveer, complemented the spin of Noor Ahmad, with all three picking up two wickets each in the opener. The Vipers’ strength lies in their strong pace department and the utility of all-rounders like captain Sam Curran.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR): The Knight Riders, who finished last in the points table in a previous season, began the 2025-26 season on a highly positive note with a dominant victory. Their batting posted a huge total of 233/4, propelled by a blistering, unbeaten knock of 82 runs from just 38 balls by Liam Livingstone. Sherfane Rutherford (45 runs) and Alex Hales (32 runs) provided vital support. The team boasts a sheer number of quality all-rounders, including Andre Russell and captain Sunil Narine, providing depth in both departments.

VIP vs ADKR Probable Playing11

Desert Vipers (VIP): Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Max Holden, Vriitya Aravind, Sam Curran (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Dan Lawrence, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Payne, Khuzaima Tanveer, Noor Ahmad.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR): Michael-Kyle Pepper (wk), Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Liam Livingstone, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine (c), Brandon McMullen, Olly Stone, George Garton, Piyush Chawla.

VIP vs ADKR Pitch Report: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium for this season has been excellent for batting, with the average first innings score rising to 169.08. The smaller boundary dimensions allow batters to clear the ropes with less effort.

• Pace & Spin: While fast bowlers take wickets quicker (a strike rate of 17.4 balls per wicket), spinners are more economical (6.95 runs per over).

• Toss Factor: There is a slight advantage to the team batting second, with the chasing side winning over 54% of the games at this venue. The team winning the toss is expected to opt to bowl first.

VIP vs ADKR Weather Report

The weather in Sharjah for the evening is expected to be mild and conducive to cricket.

• Temperature: The temperature will be pleasant, with the low expected to be around 22°C and the high around 27°C.

• Conditions: The sky will be cloudy.

• Rain Threat: There is only a minimal 10% chance of rain, suggesting a full match is highly likely.

VIP vs ADKR Match Prediction

This is arguably the most balanced match-up of the early tournament. The Desert Vipers possess a world-class spin attack in Hasaranga and Noor Ahmad, which could exploit the slowing nature of the Sharjah surface. However, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have an overwhelming amount of power and all-round depth.

The Knight Riders’ performance in their opener, particularly the form of Liam Livingstone and the destructive presence of Andre Russell, gives them a slight psychological advantage. If the ADKR batters fire again, their high score potential might be too much for the Vipers to chase.

Prediction: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to win the match. The Knight Riders are favored with a 55% win probability.