ILT20 2023 match preview: Sharjah Warriors v Gulf Giants

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2023 ILT20

What's the match?

Sharjah Warriors face Gulf Giants in the ILT20 2023.

When is it taking place?

Start of play is scheduled for 6pm local time (2pm GMT) on Monday, February 6.

Where is the match being played?

The game was be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Who's got the form?

Gulf Giants are already guaranteed a place in the semi-finals having accrued 14 points from nine games and can top the table with victory in their final game.

Sharjah Warriors are the only side to have inflicted defeat upon them - a 21-run victory last month - and need victory themselves to cement their place in the semi-finals.

James Vince's side have lost their last two, however, an unwanted streak which includes becoming Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' first victims at the 10th time of asking.

Naveen-ul-Haq has the best figures of the competition (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

What's the key match-up?

Naveen-ul-Haq produced a player-of-the-match display in the last meeting between the two sides, taking 5 for 38 as the Giants were dismissed for 130 in Dubai.

The figures remain the best in the competition and represent the only five-for in ILT20 history.

One of the key moments came as James Vince was dismissed in single figures for just the second time in seven matches, edging behind to Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

So whoever comes out on top in this clash could well determine which side are celebrating at the finale.

What's the weather forecast?

A sunny day with temperatures expected to hit 27 degrees Celsius. 

What is the team news?

Warriors will be hoping Rahmanullah Gurbaz is available after he missed the defeat to Knight Riders having suffered an injury against Vipers. Mark Deyal is available after the Bangladesh Premier League

Giants may choose to rest their star names with the semi-finals to come. That could mean a chance for Qais Ahmad while CP Rizwan and Richard Gleeson are awaiting recalls.

What are the squads?

Sharjah Warriors: Moeen Ali (c), Dawid Malan, Evin Lewis, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Woakes, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Chris Benjamin, Mark Deyal, Bilal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Jawadullah, Marcus Stoinis, Jamal Todd, Joe Denly, Paul Walter

Gulf Giants: James Vince (c), Chris Jordan, Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Dominic Drakes, David Wiese, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Qais Ahmad, Richard Gleeson, Ollie Pope, Rehan Ahmed, Wayne Madsen, Aayan Afzal Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Ashwanth Valthapa, Ansh Tandon, Meet Bhavsar, Thomas Helm, Gerhard Erasmus

*Squads are for the whole ILT20 and not specific to this match

^{James Vince (KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)}

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sharjah Warriors: Evin Lewis, Dawid Malan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Chris Benjamin, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Chris Woakes, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mark Deyal, Noor Ahmad

Gulf Giants: Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, James Vince, CP Rizwan, Shimron Hetmyer, David Wiese, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Qais Ahmad, Richard Gleeson

What are the odds?

Sharjah Warriors start the game as favourites with bookmakers Paddy Power at 8/11. Gulf Giants are available at evens.

What's the prediction?

The Warriors' lack of consistency has greatly reduced their chances of success against the Giants, despite their talented roster.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available on Platinum List. Child tickets are available for just $2.81 while adult tickets start at $8.42.

Where can I watch the game?

ZEE have obtained the broadcast rights for the ILT20 on a long-term deal.

All 34 matches will be aired across the company's 10 linear channels, with coverage provided in more than 10 languages, including English, Hindi and Tamil, as well as on ZEE5 Global.

In the UK, Zee TV can be accessed via channel 709 on Sky and channel 809 on Virgin Media. Every match will also be available via BT Sport (TV/online/app) following a deal betwee the broadcaster and Zee.

Elsewhere in the world, the full tournament will be available via Zee Cinema (SD/HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, ZEE Thirai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD/HD), &Pictures, &Flix, and ZEE5.