Desert Vipers are reigning ILT20 champions.
NEW DELHI: The ILT20 Season 5 will begin with a repeat of last year's final as defending champions Desert Vipers take on MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on November 21.The opening fixture brings together two of the tournament's most high-profile teams, with the Vipers beginning their title defence against the side they beat in last season's summit clash.
The match will begin at 6:30 pm local time.
Watch ILT20: Simon Helmot reveals Gulf Giants’ strategy, key signings & auction The Vipers have added significant firepower to their squad for the new season, with Pakistan stars Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan among their auction signings.
They have also retained the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Dan Lawrence as pre-auction signings.MI Emirates, meanwhile, will be led by a formidable group that includes Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jonny Bairstow and Kusal Perera are among their auction acquisitions.The season's second match will see Sharjah Warriorz face Gulf Giants at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 22, before Dubai Capitals take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the second game of the opening day's double-header in Dubai.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Each of the six teams will play 10 matches in the 34-match tournament, with the top four sides advancing to the playoffs.
The competition will culminate in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on December 20.Dubai will host 15 matches, while Abu Dhabi's Zayed Cricket Stadium will stage 11 and Sharjah Cricket Stadium eight.
