Gulf Giants will square off against MI Emirates in their eighth match of the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, February 1.

The Giants will be desperate to take to the field after their previous two matches were abandoned without a bowl being bowled in Dubai.

Having registered four wins and one defeat, the James Vince-led Giants are currently placed at the top of the ILT20 2023 standings with 10 points from seven matches. A win against the formidable MI Emirates will seal Giants’ place in the ILT20 2023 playoffs.

For the Giants, captain Vince has been the standout batter in the ongoing T20 tournament so far. The 31-year-old has already scored 229 runs in five innings at an average of 57.25 and a strike rate of 150.65, including three fifties.

In the bowling department, Giants’ star pacer Chris Jordan has been the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ILT20 2023, having bagged 10 wickets in five matches at an economy of 8.17.

On the other hand, the Kieron Pollard-led MI Emirates will be brimming with confidence after thrashing Desert Vipers by 157 runs in their last game on Sunday.

With four wins, two losses while one match was abandoned, the MI Emirates are currently placed third in the standings with nine points from seven matches.

MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard will be the player to watch out for against the Giants, having amassed 275 runs in six matches at a staggering average of 91.66 and a strike rate of 188.35.

Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates head-to-head

The only meeting between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates in the ILT20 was called off due to heavy rain.

Going by the form of both sides, we expect an action-packed encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.