The Gulf’s premier cricket spectacle returns on Tuesday, December 2, as defending champions Dubai Capitals face Desert Vipers in the opening match of DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4. This highly anticipated fixture serves as a rematch of last season’s thrilling final and promises to set the tone for an electrifying 34-match campaign.
A Final Rematch to Remember
Cricket fans will be treated to a blockbuster season opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 15:30 local time (8:00 PM IST). The encounter carries significant weight, as these two franchises delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters in Season 3.
In February 2025, the Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden ILT20 title in dramatic fashion, defeating Desert Vipers by four wickets with just four balls remaining. Chasing 189, Rovman Powell’s explosive 63 off 38 balls and Sikandar Raza’s match-winning cameo of 34 off 12 balls steered the Capitals home in front of a raucous 25,000-strong crowd. The Vipers will be hungry for revenge as they look to overcome their heartbreak from last season’s final.
Dubai Capitals Squad and Key Players
The defending champions enter Season 4 under new leadership, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka appointed as captain. The 34-year-old replaces Australian great David Warner and brings substantial international leadership credentials, having captained Sri Lanka in 51 T20Is with 23 victories. Shanaka scored 1,659 runs and claimed 41 wickets across 117 T20 matches, and was instrumental in last season’s title triumph with 164 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 202.46.
Head coach Hemang Badani has assembled a formidable squad featuring West Indian power-hitter Rovman Powell, England pace duo Tymal Mills and David Willey, Scotland’s Scott Currie (acquired for USD 250,000 at auction), New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, and Afghan veteran Gulbadin Naib. The addition of England’s Jordan Matthew Cox and Mohammad Nabi strengthens their middle-order and spin department.
Dubai Capitals Full Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Rovman Powell, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Scott Currie, Jimmy Neesham, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Jordan Matthew Cox, Haider Ali, Sediqullah Atal, Waqar Salamkheil, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Farhan Khan, Anudeep Chenthamara, Usman Najeeb, Ritesh Mallikarjuna Grandhi, Shayan Jahangir, Rushil Ugarkar, Naveen Bidiasee, Toby Albert, Akshay Wakhare
Desert Vipers Squad and Key Players
New Zealand’s express pace bowler Lockie Ferguson continues as Desert Vipers captain, leading a star-studded roster seeking their first ILT20 title. The Vipers have reached the final twice in the tournament’s history, including their heartbreaking loss last season.
The franchise has retained a formidable core group including England’s Sam Curran (last season’s Red Belt winner as tournament MVP), Sri Lanka’s spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman, and South African wicketkeeper Andries Gous. New additions include Pakistan’s firebrand pacer Naseem Shah (acquired for USD 80,000) and New Zealand batsman Tom Bruce.
Desert Vipers Full Squad: Lockie Ferguson (c), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous, Shimron Hetmyer, Dan Lawrence, Max Holden, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad, Vriitya Aravind, Sanjay Pahal, Bilal Tahir, Faisal Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Tom Bruce, Matiullah Khan, Tawanda Muyeye, Faridoon Dawoodzai
Venue and Conditions
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers a balanced surface with some assistance for bowlers in the early stages. Pacers typically find movement under lights, while batters can score freely once settled. The venue seats over 25,000 spectators and is expected to witness a full house for this marquee opener.
Head-to-Head Record
Dubai Capitals hold a commanding 5-0 record against Desert Vipers in their recent meetings, including three victories last season. This psychological advantage could play a significant role as the Capitals look to continue their dominance over their rivals.
Match Predictions
Winner Prediction: Dubai Capitals start as slight favorites given their remarkable record against the Vipers and the confidence from their title-winning campaign. However, Desert Vipers possess the firepower to turn the tables with players like Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, and the explosive Naseem Shah capable of match-winning performances.
Key Battle: The contest between Rovman Powell’s explosive hitting and Wanindu Hasaranga’s crafty leg-spin could determine the match’s outcome. Additionally, the pace duel between Tymal Mills and Naseem Shah promises to be thrilling.
Players to Watch: Dasun Shanaka (DC), Rovman Powell (DC), Sam Curran (DV), Wanindu Hasaranga (DV), Naseem Shah (DV)
The opening match of ILT20 Season 4 promises to deliver high-octane cricket as two heavyweight franchises renew their rivalry. With the defending champions seeking to begin their title defense on a winning note and the Vipers hungry for early-season revenge, cricket fans are in for a spectacular treat.
Match Details:
- Match: Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers (Match 1)
- Tournament: DP World ILT20 2025-26 (Season 4)
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Time: 15:30 Local / 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Broadcast: Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, &Pictures SD, Zee5 (India)
