International League T20 Tips Matches 15 and 16: Chase bias back in play

• Capitals confusing tactics

• Vipers runaway leaders

• Batting second key in Dubai & Sharjah

• Vince overdue top-bat win

Dubai Capitals v Desert Vipers
Sunday 14 December, 14:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Dubai Capitals v Desert Vipers ILT20 tips

Dubai Capitals held on to beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday despite an Andre Russell special. But they didn't help themselves. Some of their decision-making has to be called into question ahead of this contest.

After posting 196 the game looked over with Knight Riders suffering a familiar batting collapse which left them 111 for seven in the 15th. But they allowed Russell and Jason Holder to strike ADKR back into the game with complacency.

When they needed 26 off the last over it was jaw-dropping to see them hand the ball to Muhammad Jawadullah, despite tuned-up work from Haider Ali, Mohammad Nabi and, to a lesser extent, Dasun Shanaka. Jawadullah, whose previous over in the tournament had gone for 21, hadn't bowled a ball in the game and he started his over spraying it wildly. When fifteen came from the first three balls ADKR looked favourites only for Jawadullah to pull it back from the brink. It's a risk they should not repeat.

This match takes place in Dubai under lights and despite Vipers being the correct favourites we have to recognise the significant chase bias. Capitals can be bang in the game. That means a blind bet post-toss or waiting in-play to trade, Similarly if there is any chance of Vipers getting up to that 1.9110/11 area with the chase in their favour that would be the standout bet as the superior team.

Keep an eye on Vipers' team news as they could soon lose Lockie Ferguson to Syndey Thunder in the Big Bash. Dubai are unaffected by player churn. 

Sharjah Warriors v Gulf Giants
Monday 15 December, 14.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sharjah Warriors v Gulf Giants ILT20 tips

Sharjah are in action on Sunday against MI Emirates as they desperately seek a win to kickstart their competition. This one takes place in Sharjah against a Gulf Giants team who have started to look unconvincing.

They have lost two of their last three and although both came against leaders Vipers, they're another franchise guilty of confusing tactics. The Super Over loss to Vipers was one of the more bizarre you will see when they refused to start their innings with their best and most in-form batter in Pathum Nissanksa. In the second game against Vipers they were outclassed. Vipers chased 158 with 19 balls remaining.

Punters are waiting on a top-bat win for GG's James Vince who is very much in the win zone. His form has been good in the tournament with a 50 and 35. He only made a duck last time out against Vipers. Batting at No 3 is not ideal but he is at least protected from any new-ball shenanigans. 

A reminder that Sharjah have lost main hitter Tim David to the Big Bash. They have brought in James Rew and Tom Abell into the middle order. There does seem to be a distinct lack of power for the death overs with the bat so in-play a fast start might give way to something more worrying. 

Now read our dedicated Ashes section here.