ILT20: VIP vs SWR Match Preview, Prediction, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

VIP vs SWR Match Preview – As the ILT20 2025-26 season reaches its critical middle phase, the league leaders Desert Vipers (VIP) are set to face the bottom-placed Sharjah Warriorz (SWR) in Match 22 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 20, 2025. While the Vipers have dominated the competition so far, winning six of their first seven matches, the Warriorz are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive with only two wins from six outings.

VIP vs SWR Match Details

VIP vs SWR Match Preview

The Desert Vipers enter this contest as the team to beat, currently sitting at the top of the points table with 12 points. Their success has been built on a balanced squad where stars like Sam Curran and Max Holden have consistently delivered match-winning performances. Recent victories, including a thrilling 1-run win over MI Emirates and a Super Over win against Gulf Giants, highlight their ability to prevail in high-pressure situations.

On the other hand, the Sharjah Warriorz have struggled for consistency, finding themselves at the bottom of the ladder. However, they showed signs of life with a recent 6-run victory over MI Emirates and an 11-run win against Gulf Giants. Led by Sikandar Raza, the Warriorz will need their international stars like Taskin Ahmed and Johnson Charles to fire if they are to upset the runaway leaders.

VIP vs SWR Possible Playing11

Desert Vipers (VIP): Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Lockie Ferguson (c), David Payne, Naseem Shah. 

Sharjah Warriorz (SWR): Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Sikandar Raza (c), James Rew (wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Adil Rashid, Taskin Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Tim Southee, Maheesh Theekshana.

VIP vs SWR Pitch and Weather Report

• Pitch Report: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium typically offers a balanced surface. Pace bowlers often find movement and bounce early on, particularly under the lights. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to assist spinners, who can purchase turn if they bowl in the right areas. The average first-innings score at this venue during the current season has been competitive, often requiring totals above 165 to be defendable.

• Weather Report: The forecast for December 20, 2025, in Dubai indicates light rain during the daytime with a 35% chance of precipitation. However, conditions are expected to clear by the evening, providing a cool and clear night for the match. Temperatures will range from a high of 22°C to a low of 17°C.

VIP vs SWR Squads

Desert Vipers Squad: Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Bruce, Dan Lawrence, Vriitya Aravind(w), Khuzaima Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson(c), Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Faisal Khan, Bilal Tahir, Tawanda Muyeye, Matiullah Khan, Faridoon Dawoodzai.

Sharjah Warriorz Squad: Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, James Rew(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Dwaine Pretorius, Ethan DSouza, Harmeet Singh, Wasim Akram, Adil Rashid, Taskin Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Johnson Charles, Dinesh Karthik, Tim Southee, Kusal Mendis, Saurabh Netravalkar, Nathan Sowter, Richard Ngarava, Shubham Ranjane, Junaid Siddique, Jayden Seales, Mohammed Aslam, Maheesh Theekshana, Saghir Khan, Abdul Salman Khan, Raees Ahmed Ayan.

VIP vs SWR Match Prediction

Based on current form and league standings, the Desert Vipers are the clear favorites to win this encounter. Their deep batting lineup and potent bowling attack, featuring multiple international specialists, make them a formidable force. While Sharjah Warriorz have the individual talent to cause an upset, the Vipers’ consistency and momentum are likely to see them secure another two points and solidify their position at the top.