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

VIP vs ADKR Match Preview – The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 season heats up as the Desert Vipers (VIP) go head-to-head with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in Match 4 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams enter this contest on the back of impressive opening victories, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter tonight.

The Vipers, runners-up in the previous season, started their campaign with a thrilling win over the Dubai Capitals. Meanwhile, the Knight Riders began their season on a positive note by posting a huge total and defeating the Sharjah Warriorz. With both sides boasting explosive batting power and balanced attacks, this match is predicted to be a fierce contest with a slight advantage to the Knight Riders.

VIP vs ADKR Match Details

VIP vs ADKR Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between the two teams is incredibly tight. In their last five encounters, the Head-to-Head record stands perfectly level, with both teams claiming two wins apiece. Historically, across all six matches played, the Desert Vipers hold a slim edge with four wins compared to two for the Knight Riders.

VIP vs ADKR Pitch Report: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitches have historically been a batter’s haven. Runs are expected to flow freely at this venue.

• Scoring: The average first-innings score in the current 2025 season has risen significantly, edging towards a high 170. The Knight Riders posted a massive 233 in the last match here.

• Balance: The surface is generally flat with good bounce. Spinners, however, have been slightly more successful, averaging 22.1 runs per wicket, while fast bowlers take their wickets quicker (one every 17.4 balls).

• Toss Factor: There is a slight advantage to the team batting second at Sharjah, with teams winning over 54% of their games while chasing. The toss winner is likely to opt to bowl first.

VIP vs ADKR Weather Report

The conditions in Sharjah on Friday evening are expected to be conducive for cricket.

• Conditions: The forecast predicts partly cloudy skies at night.

• Temperature: The temperature is likely to be around 20°C to 21°C during the match time.

• Rain Threat: There is only a minor $10\%$ chance of rain.

VIP vs ADKR Probable Playing11

Desert Vipers (VIP): The Vipers will look to the excellent form of their top order, including an in-form Andries Gous, who scored a half-century in the opener.

Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Max Holden, Sam Curran (c), Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Noor Ahmad, David Payne, Naseem Shah, Khuzaima Tanveer.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR): The Knight Riders’ success hinges on their potent all-rounder core, led by Liam Livingstone’s explosive batting.

Michael 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 Match Prediction

Both teams are riding a wave of confidence following their opening wins.

• ADKR Strength: The Knight Riders’ opening game highlighted the immense power in their middle order, spearheaded by a belligerent 82 runs off 38 balls from Liam Livingstone. Their team depth, featuring all-rounders like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Sherfane Rutherford, provides immense flexibility.

• VIP Strength: The Vipers rely on the explosive starts from Fakhar Zaman and Andries Gous, and their bowling attack is sharp, with young Noor Ahmad delivering a brilliant, economical spell in the previous game.

The venue favors high scoring, and the Knight Riders demonstrated their ability to maximize the conditions by posting 233 runs in the last match here. While the Vipers are strong, the sheer hitting power and balanced all-round capability of the Knight Riders gives them a slight edge, especially if they can post a big total batting first.

Prediction: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to win.