Date: November 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:00 PM Local Time (20:00 GST)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tournament: Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025, Match 2
Toss: Not yet announced
The Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 kicks off tonight with defending champions Deccan Gladiators facing Delhi Bulls in the second match of the opening day. This high-voltage clash will see two power-packed teams battle it out at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Deccan Gladiators have dominated this matchup historically, winning six of their nine encounters against Delhi Bulls. The Gladiators come into this tournament as defending champions after winning the 2024 edition with a strong campaign.
Last season, the Gladiators won six out of seven matches before lifting the trophy, showing their strength in this format. Meanwhile, Delhi Bulls finished fifth in 2024 and will be looking to start strong this year.
Expected Playing XIs
Deccan Gladiators (Likely XI)
Source: Tournament squad announcements and recent team news
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Nicholas Pooran (Captain/WK)
- Mark Chapman
- Laurie Evans
- Marcus Stoinis
- Andre Russell
- David Wiese
- Richard Gleeson
- Akeal Hosein
- Lahiru Kumara
- Jordan Thompson
Note: The final XI has not been officially confirmed. This is a likely lineup based on squad strength.
Delhi Bulls (Likely XI)
Source: Tournament squad announcements and recent team news
- James Vince
- Phil Salt
- Rovman Powell (Captain)
- Tim David
- Kieron Pollard
- Sunil Narine
- James Coles
- Romario Shepherd
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Junaid Siddique
- Salman Irshad
Note: The final XI has not been officially confirmed. This is a likely lineup based on squad strength.
Players to Watch
| Team | Batters | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|
| Deccan Gladiators | Nicholas Pooran – One of the most dangerous batters in shorter formats who can score at 200+ strike rate | Richard Gleeson – Last year’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets in nine games |
| Deccan Gladiators | Tom Kohler-Cadmore – Tournament’s leading run scorer in 2024 with 278 runs at strike rate of 199 | Muhammad Jawadullah – Part of the strong bowling attack that secured the title |
| Deccan Gladiators | Marcus Stoinis – Powerful finisher who can pummel any bowling attack | Akeal Hosein – Left-arm spinner who controls the middle overs |
| Delhi Bulls | Philip Salt – Scored 151 runs last season at strike rate of 189 | Blessing Muzarabani – Experienced pacer who can take early wickets |
| Delhi Bulls | Tim David – Known for explosive starts and quick scoring | Sunil Narine – Mystery spinner and dangerous finisher |
| Delhi Bulls | James Vince – Reliable opener with experience in T10 format | Salman Irshad – Fast bowler who can trouble batters with pace |
Venue and Pitch Report
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium offers a firm surface with consistent bounce throughout the match, but as the ball becomes soft, it might start turning, making spinners more effective.
A score of around 125-130 will be challenging at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The average T20 score at this venue is 142 across 98 matches.
Weather Forecast
Expect temperatures around 38°C with moderate humidity of about 45-50%. There will be no rain, and evening breezes might help fast bowlers get the ball moving a little under the lights.
Toss Factor
Eight of the last 10 Abu Dhabi T10 League matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium were won by the team batting second, so expect the captain winning the toss to field first.
What to Expect
This match promises to be an exciting contest between two strong teams. The Gladiators bring championship experience and a well-balanced squad, while the Bulls have added serious firepower to challenge them.
In T10 cricket, every ball counts. Both teams have explosive batters who can change the game in just a few overs. The Gladiators’ bowling attack was decisive in their title win last year, with their core kept intact.
The Bulls will look to their star-studded batting lineup featuring Salt, David, and Pollard to put pressure on the defending champions. However, the Gladiators have home advantage as defending champions and a slight edge in head-to-head records.
Match Prediction
Taking everything into account, the Gladiators hold a narrow 51 to 49 advantage in this matchup. Their experience as defending champions, strong head-to-head record, and balanced squad give them the edge.
However, in T10 cricket, any team can win on their day. The team that wins the toss and bats second may have an advantage at this venue.
Predicted Winner: Deccan Gladiators
Where to Watch
India: Star Sports (TV), FanCode (OTT)
Pakistan: A Sports, ARY ZAP
Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo
North America: Willow TV
MENA Region: Cricbuzz Criclife, Abu Dhabi Sports
Bangladesh: T Sports