MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz ILT20 2026 in Abu Dhabi

MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz brings DP World ILT20 Season 5 cricket to Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday 6 December 2026. It is an afternoon T20, with the gates opening at midday and the first ball at 2pm, making it one of the few chances this season to watch ILT20 cricket in daylight in the capital.

The match falls the day after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders host Gulf Giants at the same ground, so cricket fans can turn the first weekend of December into a two-match weekend in Abu Dhabi.

DP World ILT20 Season 5

The DP World International League T20, known as the ILT20, is the UAE’s franchise T20 league, bringing international stars and UAE players together in six teams. Season 5 has 34 matches shared between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, played between 22 November and 20 December 2026. Afternoon fixtures like this one start at 2pm local time, with evening games under the lights at 6:30pm.

The title has rarely stayed in the same hands. Gulf Giants won the first season in 2023, MI Emirates took the 2024 crown, Dubai Capitals won in 2025 and Desert Vipers lifted the trophy in January 2026, beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the Season 4 final at Dubai International Stadium. That defeat gives MI Emirates every reason to start Season 5 with a point to prove.

MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz: form and history

MI Emirates are part of the global MI family of franchises that began with Mumbai Indians, five-time champions of the Indian Premier League. They have been one of the ILT20’s most consistent sides, winning the title in 2024 and reaching the Season 4 final, where West Indies great Kieron Pollard was part of their line-up.

Sharjah Warriorz are the franchise of the northern emirate and are still chasing their first ILT20 title. The two sides have produced mixed results against each other in previous seasons, so there is no clear favourite on paper, and that uncertainty is part of the appeal for neutral fans. They meet twice in the group stage this season: here in Abu Dhabi, and again at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 11 December.

Squads and captains for Season 5 are confirmed by the franchises closer to the tournament, so check the official ILT20 and team channels for the latest news before match day.

An afternoon at Zayed Cricket Stadium

Zayed Cricket Stadium sits within the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub in Khalifa City. Opened in 2004, it has hosted Test matches, ICC tournaments and IPL games, and it is one of three host grounds for ILT20 Season 5. Seating is unreserved in every area on a first come, first served basis, so groups who want to sit together should arrive together, and some seats may have restricted views of the pitch.

With a 2pm start, much of the match is played in the afternoon sun, so sun protection is essential; umbrellas are on the restricted list, so a hat is the better option. A T20 usually takes around three and a half hours, which means the second innings should run into the early evening as the light softens.

This fixture suits MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz supporters, Abu Dhabi cricket fans and anyone curious to see the ILT20 in person. Families are welcome, and the short format keeps the afternoon moving, with the match finished in good time for an evening back in the city.

Tickets, entry rules and getting there

You can buy up to 10 tickets per match, and tickets are emailed 48 hours before the game. Children aged 5 and above need their own ticket; under-fives can enter without one if they sit on an adult’s lap, one child per adult. 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. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks and pyrotechnics, metal cans and glass bottles, and banners with political, religious, offensive or race-related messages. 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.

By car, head along Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, then take the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Truck Road (E30). Turn onto Al Mudwi Street, continue on Al Mabrouk Street and take the second exit at the two roundabouts that follow. The ticket page recommends using GPS, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are an easy alternative.

For more fixtures, see our sports events in the UAE, catch AD Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants the evening before, and plan the rest of your weekend with our guides to things to do in Abu Dhabi and things to do in December.