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

The second season of the 2024 International League T20 (ILT20) will kick off on Friday, January 19, at the renowned Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. The opening game will be played between Sharjah Warriors (SJH) and defending champions Gulf Giants (GUL).

The Giants won the title in the inaugural edition with a seven-wicket win over the Desert Vipers in the final. They had also finished on top of the points table after the conclusion of the league stage. Sharjah, on the other hand, did not have a successful campaign, as they finished in the fifth position in the six-team table. Moreover, fans can expect a thrilling encounter when the Warriors and the Giants lock horns in the first game of the season.

SJH vs GUL Match Details:

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions:

The surface up for offer is expected to be quite placid and hence it will be batting-friendly in nature. However, the teams will be keen to monitor the dew factor as it can impact the bowlers. Consequently, batters will enjoy their outing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium if dew comes into effect thereby making the life of the bowler in containing the batters in the tournament opener.

Now speaking of the weather conditions in Sharjah, clear skies are expected on the day of the clash. The temperature during the evening will be on the milder side measuring around 16 degrees Celsius, which implies that the game will turn out to be a pleasant one for the players. Hence an electrifying battle will be on the cards for the fans.

SJH vs GUL Head-to-Head Record:

SJH vs GUL Predicted Playing XIs

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has a typically slower pitch and the boundaries are comparatively short. Despite having a sluggish nature, it assists the batters in putting up a competitive score considering the proximity of the boundaries. The chasing teams may have the advantage of winning at this venue as the toss-winning captain is likely to opt for bowling first.

Sharjah Warriors:

Martin Guptill, Johnson Charles, Kusal Mendis (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Joe Denly (c), Daniel Sams, Chris Woakes, James Fuller, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Dilshan Madushanka

Gulf Giants:

Chris Lynn, James Vince (c), Jordan Cox (wk), Usman Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Zuhaib Zubair, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Jordan, Dominic Drake, Afzal Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

SJH vs GUL Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: James Vince

James Vince is expected to play a crucial role in the forthcoming game as his side will look to defend the title. The Giants' captain was crucial for his side in the inaugural edition, leading them to win the title. He was also the top-scorer of the side and second overall after scoring 439 runs in 11 games at an average of 48.77 and a strike rate of 136.76.

Probable Best Bowler: Chris Jordan

Gulf Giants' premier fast bowler Chris Jordan could be the best bowler in the first game against Sharjah Warriors. He was the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural ILT20 and emerged as the Player of the Series for his 20-wicket haul. He is currently playing for Hobart Hurricanes in the ongoing BBL and is expected to join the ILT20 squad and carry forward his form in the upcoming game. 

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