Match Details
Date: 15 January 2023
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Live Scores: SportsTiger App
Preview
In the third match of the inaugural edition of the International League T20, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will take on Gulf Giants. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the fixture. It is expected to be an exciting game of cricket. While Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have already played a game in this edition of ILT20, Gulf Giants will play their first game of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Giants start their campaign.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is considered a good T20 wicket. While there are runs on offer throughout the game, bowlers can exploit the advantage later in the innings. The boundaries at the venue are also relatively larger and aid the bowlers.
Team Analysis
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a forgettable night in their opening fixture of the season as they lost to Dubai Capitals by 73 runs. After opting to bowl first, the Knight Riders conceded 187 runs in 20 overs. Then, with the bat, AKR could only manage 114/9. Paul Stirling did a great job to hold one end intact and also scored a half-century, but other batters just could not hold on to their horses and kept getting out one after the other. Now, it is to be seen how the Sunil Narine-led team bounces back.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Paul Stirling, Sunil Narine (c), Brandon King, Colin Ingram, Fahad Nawaz, Andre Russell, Zawar Farid, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Ali Khan
Gulf Giants
Gulf Giants have got a really squad but the main issue for them will be the availability of their key players. Many of the Giants’ players are playing in T20 leagues across the globe. The captain, James Vince is himself playing in Big Bash League 2022-23. Chris Lynn too is occupied with BBL. Nevertheless, the Giants have got the likes of Chris Jordan, Tom Helm, Dominic Drakes, Ollie Pope, David Wiese, and Shimron Hetmyer. Now, as Gulf Giants gear up for their opening clash of the season, it will be interesting to see what combination they play.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Gulf Giants
James Vince, Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Shimron Hetmyer, Gerhard Erasmus, Ollie Pope, David Wiese, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Qais Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed
Match Prediction
If Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bat: Score- 165-170; Giants Win
If Gulf Giants bat: Score- 150-160; Giants Win
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have got a better squad as compared to Gulf Giants. But the way the Knight Riders crumbled under pressure in the last game, the Giants can take advantage of that and win their opening fixture.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.
