Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates ILT20 2026 in Dubai

Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates brings DP World ILT20 cricket to Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City on Wednesday 2 December 2026, UAE National Day. It is a 6.30pm match under the lights between two former champions who met in the 2024 final, and it closes a National Day double-header that starts that afternoon in Abu Dhabi.

The game falls in the second week of Season 5 of the UAE’s franchise T20 league, which runs until 20 December 2026. Dubai hosts 15 of the season’s matches, including the final, with 11 in Abu Dhabi and eight in Sharjah, and the season has been moved earlier than in previous years to avoid a clash with South Africa’s SA20.

A Rivalry Built on a Final

These two sides have produced some of the league’s most competitive contests. MI Emirates beat Dubai Capitals in the 2024 final to win the second ILT20 title, leaving the Capitals as runners-up. A year later the Capitals finally lifted the trophy themselves, beating Desert Vipers by four wickets in the 2025 final at this same stadium, with Rovman Powell, Shai Hope and Sikandar Raza leading the way.

MI Emirates then reached a third final in Season 4 but lost to Desert Vipers by 46 runs on 4 January 2026, when Sam Curran’s unbeaten 74 carried the Vipers to 182 for 4 and MI Emirates were held to 136 in reply. Both teams arrive at Season 5 with a title already on the shelf and recent experience of big nights in Dubai, which gives this midweek holiday fixture a little extra edge.

Dubai Capitals in Season 5

The Capitals have kept Rovman Powell, one of the stars of their 2025 title win, and Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman, and added Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and Afghanistan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad before the auction. Powell’s power hitting and Stoinis’s ability with bat and ball give the Capitals plenty of firepower in the middle order, while Mustafizur and Noor bring variety to the attack.

MI Emirates in Season 5

MI Emirates have retained three of the league’s most recognisable overseas names: West Indies hitter Nicholas Pooran, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan and all-rounder Romario Shepherd, and signed Sherfane Rutherford before the auction. At the Season 5 player auction, held in Dubai on 1 October, where Fazalhaq Farooqi set a new league record, they completed the squad with Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera and England’s Chris Jordan and Jonny Bairstow, and they have named former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as head coach.

Final playing elevens are confirmed closer to match day, so check team announcements if you are going to see a particular player.

Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium

Dubai International Stadium sits on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Dubai Sports City and is the busiest ILT20 venue. Seating is unreserved and first come, first served in all areas except the Platinum Enclosure, which has assigned seats, and some areas have restricted views. Gates open at 4.30pm, two hours before the first ball, so there is time to choose your spot before the toss.

The ticket page says parking is available at the stadium. By public transport, take the Red Line (Route 2020) to Dubai Internet City Metro Station and change to the F34 bus to Dubai Sports City. Taxis can take you straight to the stadium. There is no bag drop or storage on site, so pack only what you need.

Entry Rules for Families and Fans

Children aged five and above need a ticket. Under-fives enter free on an adult’s lap, one child per adult, and every adult needs a ticket of their own. Anyone under 15 must be with an adult at all times, and photo ID may be requested to check ages.

Alcohol cannot be brought into the venue, and smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Weapons, fireworks and pyrotechnics, metal cans, glass bottles and banners with political, religious, offensive or race-related messages are prohibited. Outside food and drinks, drones, strollers, umbrellas, camping chairs and oversized bags are restricted and will not be stored. Betting is not allowed, and bags may be searched on entry.

You can buy up to 10 tickets per match, and tickets are emailed 48 hours before the game, so save them to your phone before you set off.

National Day Cricket and More Fixtures

Earlier the same day, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders host the defending champions at 2pm in AD Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Capitals are back at this ground four days later against the same champions in Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals, a rematch of the 2025 final.

For the rest of the season browse our sports events in the UAE, and for the long weekend see things to do in Dubai and things to do in December.