GG vs VIP Match Preview – The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 hits a high note as the undefeated table-toppers, the Desert Vipers (VIP), take on the second-placed Gulf Giants (GG) in Match 12. Set for a day game on Friday, December 12th, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, this clash is a critical contest that could see the Giants join the Vipers at the summit of the points table or witness the Vipers extend their perfect start.
The Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side this season, winning all four of their matches to date and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. The Gulf Giants, despite a recent loss to the Vipers in a reverse fixture, have been impressive, securing three wins from their four games. This fixture represents a chance for the Giants to exact revenge and for the Vipers to prove their dominance is no fluke.
GG vs VIP Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers, Match 12 |
| Series | International League T20, 2025-26 |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Date & Time | Friday, December 12, 2025, 12:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Live Telecast | FanCode, Zee5 |
GG vs VIP Head-to-Head Record
The Desert Vipers hold a significant psychological advantage over the Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
| Format | Total Matches | Gulf Giants Won | Desert Vipers Won | Tied/No Result |
| T20 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0/0 |
| Note: The Vipers have won each of the last five matches against the Gulf Giants. | ||||
GG vs VIP Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Dubai is known to be batting-friendly and is expected to offer something for both batters and bowlers.
Batting Conditions: The pitch is generally a bit slow initially, but it has been improving as the tournament progresses, showing good signs for batters. Batters should enjoy the surface, especially against the new ball.
Average Score: The average score at this ground in the last four matches has been around 169 runs.
Wicket Distribution: Pace bowlers have claimed approximately 65% of the wickets, while spinners account for about 35%.
Toss Strategy: Captains who win the toss usually choose to chase due to the pitch becoming easier to bat on later in the game and the potential for dew (though less of an issue for a day game).
GG vs VIP Weather Report
The weather in Dubai on Friday, December 12th, is expected to be clear and pleasant for a day game.
Temperature: The high temperature for the day is predicted to reach 29°C.
Sky: The day is forecasted to be partly sunny.
Rain Threat: The chance of rain is very low, at only 10% during the day, meaning a full match is highly likely.
GG vs VIP Squads
| Desert Vipers Squad | Gulf Giants Squad |
| Fakhar Zaman | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Andries Gous (w) | Tom Moores (w) |
| Max Holden | James Vince (c) |
| Sam Curran | Moeen Ali |
| Dan Lawrence | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Gerhard Erasmus |
| Hasan Nawaz | Liam Dawson |
| Vriitya Aravind | Aayan Afzal Khan |
| Lockie Ferguson (c) | Mark Adair |
| Khuzaima Tanveer | Haider Razzaq |
| Noor Ahmad | Nuwan Thushara |
| Matiullah Khan | Asif Khan |
| Sanjay Pahal | Fred Klaassen |
| David Payne | Tabraiz Shamsi |
| Tom Bruce | Chris Wood |
| Qais Ahmad | Pathum Nissanka |
| Naseem Shah | Sean Dickson |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Muhammad Zuhaib |
| Faisal Khan | Ishtiaq Ahmad |
| Bilal Tahir | Ramon Simmonds |
| Tawanda Muyeye | Matthew Forde |
| Faridoon Dawoodzai | Meet Bhavsar |
| Blessing Muzarabani | |
| Lorcan Tucker | |
| Kyle Mayers |
GG vs VIP Possible Playing11
Desert Vipers (VIP): Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Curran, Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Vriitya Aravind, Lockie Ferguson (c), Khuzaima Tanveer, Noor Ahmad, Dan Lawrence.
(Based on expected line-ups for the Desert Vipers)
Gulf Giants (GG): Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Moeen Ali, James Vince (c), Tom Moores, Azmatullah Omarzai, Liam Dawson, Gerhard Erasmus, Nuwan Thushara, Aayan Afzal Khan, Mark Adair.
(Based on expected line-ups for the Gulf Giants)
GG vs VIP Match Prediction
The Desert Vipers are the only unbeaten team in the tournament, currently sitting at the top of the points table. The Vipers’ batting has depth, with Dan Lawrence being their top run-scorer, and a strong opening pair in Fakhar Zaman and Andries Gous. Their bowling, led by the pace of David Payne and the spin of Noor Ahmad, has been highly effective.
However, the Gulf Giants are in strong form themselves, having won three of their four games. Pathum Nissanka is the league’s leading run-scorer and a key player for them, while Azmatullah Omarzai is their top wicket-taker.
The Vipers hold the winning momentum and the clear psychological advantage with a 6-3 head-to-head record and an ongoing five-match winning streak against the Giants. While the Giants have the firepower to challenge, the Desert Vipers’ consistent team performance makes them the favorites.
Prediction: Desert Vipers to win.
