Dubai Capitals (DCP) are set to lock horns with Desert Vipers (DV) in the first match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, December 2.

This is going to be a repeat of last year's final, when the Capitals, led by Sam Billings, chased down a 190-run target in 19.2 overs with four wickets to spare to lift their maiden title. This time, the defending champions are going to have Dasun Shanaka, a former Sri Lankan captain, as their skipper. Hemang Badani, the head coach of the franchise, will have experienced players like Rovman Powell, Tymal Mills, and Gulbadin Naib in his arsenal.

Meanwhile, Desert Vipers also have a star-studded squad of players and will hope to go the distance this season. The batting department will depend on Fakhar Zaman, Dan Lawrence, and Shimron Hetmyer, among others. Sam Curran is among the best all-rounders set to be in action in the impending season. In Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson, the Vipers have a formidable pace attack. Also, the Afghanistan duo of Qais Ahmad and Noor Ahmad will give the opposition batters no respite.

DCP vs DV Match Details

Match	Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers, Match 1, ILT20 2025-26
Venue	Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Date & Time (IST)	Tuesday, December 02, 8:00 PM (IST)
Broadcast and Live-Streaming	Zee Network TV channels or Zee5 (app and website)

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pitch Report

The first few games at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the previous edition of the ILT20 were low-scoring affairs. However, the pitches got better as the tournament progressed. The average first-innings score in the last three games was around 199. Captains who win the toss at this venue generally prefer to chase. Dew could play a role in the second innings.

DCP vs DV Head to Head Record

Matches Played	06
DCP Won	04
DV Won	02
First-ever Fixture	January 28, 2023
Most-recent Fixture	February 9, 2025

DCP vs DV Predicted Playing XIs

Dubai Capitals (DCP):

Jordan Cox (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, James Neesham, Dasun Shanaka (C), Rovman Powell, Muhammad Jawadullah, Akshay Wakhare, Tymal Mills, Waqar Salamkheil.

Desert Vipers (DV):

Fakhar Zaman, Bilal Tahir, Dan Lawrence, Tom Bruce, Sam Curran, Andries Gous (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Naseem Shah, Lockie Ferguson (C).

Probable Top Performers from DCP vs DV Probable Best Batter: Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka will look to lead his team from the front. He prefers batting in the finisher's role, but don't be surprised if you see him coming earlier in the piece and trying to take the bull by the horns. If he gets going, he can make the best bowling line-ups in world cricket look pedestrian.

Probable Best Bowler: Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmad had a phenomenal season in the Indian Premier League and has also done well for Afghanistan. He will play an important role for the Vipers, especially through the middle overs. His wicket-taking ability always makes him a bowler to watch out for.

Today's  Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.