ILT20 2024: Qualifier 1, EMI vs GUL Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between EMI vs GUL?

Preview

Defending champions Gulf Giants (GUL) are set to square off against MI Emirates (EMI) in Qualifier 1 of the ILT20 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, on Wednesday, February 14.

MI Emirates finished on top of the points table after the completion of the round-robin phase as they won six and lost four out of the 10 matches they played. The Giants also won six and lost four matches but their net run-rate (NRR) was +0.386 compared to +1.469 of their next opponents.

The head-to-head is at 1-1 for this season between the two teams. Emirates won their first encounter this season by 18 runs after defending a target of 180 in Abu Dhabi. Last week, these two teams faced each other once again in Dubai and the Giants managed to win a thrilling encounter by five runs. After scoring 158/7 in the first innings, James Vince and Co. restricted their opponents to 153/7 as Jordan Thompson hit 24 runs in the last over to reduce the margin of defeat.

Pitch Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has witnessed quite a few close encounters, especially in the latter half of the tournament. The venue has hosted 13 matches so far in the tournament. The pitches have had enough to keep both the batters as well as the bowlers interested. The average first-innings total is 163, while the highest first-innings score of 187/6 was registered by the Giants against Sharjah Warriors. Nine games have been won by chasing teams, while only four have been won by teams batting first. Therefore, bowling first after winning the toss can prove to be a wise decision at this venue.

Meanwhile, speaking of the weather conditions, on the day of the game, the weather is expected to remain sunny with some cloud covers but it will not hamper the play at all. Hence the fans can expect an entertaining day of cricket.

Click Here: EMI vs GUL Live Score, Qualifier 1

Probable Playing XIs

MI Emirates

Muhammad Waseem, Kusal Perera, Andre Fletcher (wk), Ambati Rayudu, Dan Mousley, Kieron Pollard (c), Jordan Thompson, Dwayne Bravo, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Trent Boult, Waqar Salamkheil

Gulf Giants

James Vince (c), Jordan Cox, Chris Lynn, Shimron Hetmyer, Jamie Smith (wk), Gerhard Erasmus, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Jordan, Dominic Drakes, Aayan Khan, Zuhaib Zubair

Probable Best Batter of the match

James Vince started ILT20 2024 with two solid knocks but lost the plot in the middle of the tournament. However, he has upped the ante at the business end of the tournament and is coming into Qualifier 1 on the back of two consecutive half-centuries. Notably, Vince has been the leading run-getter in the ILT20 2024, having scored 298 runs in 10 innings at an average of 29.80 and a strike rate of 123.14. Two out of his three fifties in the tournament have come against Emirates and he would love to complete a hat-trick.

Also Check: Most Runs in ILT20 2024

Probable Best Bowler of the match

Waqar Salamkheil has been in sensational form in the tournament thus far. He has bagged 14 wickets from nine matches at an average of 14 and a strike rate of 12.14. His economy rate is also an impressive 6.91. In the last match between Emirates and the Giants, the Afghan left-arm wrist spinner finished with three wickets from four overs and conceded just 19 runs. His spell through the middle overs is going to be very crucial.

Today’s Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Scenario 1

MI Emirates win the toss and bowl

Powerplay score – 40-50

First innings score – 150-170

MI Emirates win the match

Scenario 2

Gulf Giants win the toss and bowl

Powerplay score – 45-55

First innings score – 155-175

Gulf Giants win the match

Also Check: EMI vs GUL Dream11 Prediction, Qualifier 1

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.