International League T20 Tips Matches One and Two: Strong fancies with bat and ball

• Capitals-Vipers meet in final repeat

• Big chase bias at both venues

• In-play strategies to make it pay

• Naib a big price to deliver

• Charles and Holder eyecatching
• Read the ILT20 team guide HERE

Dubai Capitals v Desert Vipers
Tuesday 2 December, 14:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Dubai Capitals v Desert Vipers ILT20 tips

Game one is a repeat of the final from the last edition. Vipers will be seeking revenge over the Capitals who lifted the title. But both they may find this campaign tougher than last term.

The Vipers balance doesn't look great. They have lost the wickets of Mohammad Amir and seem reliant on Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran producing with bat and ball. Capitals look to be a batter short themselves with Shai Hope unavailable. His replacement, Jordan Cox, is not expected to arrive until the end of next week as he is on Lions duty.

Hope's absence is a betting opportunity. It means an opening slot is free alongside Leus du Plooy. The smart pick may be Gulbadin Naib, who ended the season at No 3. He has a 25% win rate in the last two years anywhere in the order in this tournament so the 17/29.50 is a must.  For Vipers, Max Holden emerged as a key batter winning three of the four markets he was involved with for top bat. Sportsbook offer 4/15.00. 

A usual, the toss is crucial in this tournament at Dubai. From the 26 matches played in night games, 18 have been won by the chaser. Dew is a major factor with the defending team often struggling with a wet ball.

In play that means we are not put off teams going after 200-220. Early doors the market may underestimate the trend continuing, too, so there could be some chunky value in chases of 170-190.

Sharjah Warriors v Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Sharjah Warriors v Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Wednesday 3 August, 14:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sharjah and Knight Riders are the ultimate middle-of-the-road outfits for a middle-of-the-road franchise league. In three seasons neither has made a final and their two-year batting and bowling data has them firmly....well, you've guessed it.

It would be a surprise if either suddenly morphed into a title challenger. There is precious little evidence from close-season recruitment that this is going to be their year. Indeed, they are well-matched if the filter is imbalance.

Knight Riders thought it a good idea to use their wildcard pick to sign Piyush Chawla. For context MI Emirates picked up Nic Pooran. ADKR have extremely thin pace respources and are pinning much on Jason Holder's excellence. Phil Salt and Alex Hales must provide fast starts.

Holder is Mr Reliable with the ball and for how often he wins should be clear favourite. The 7/24.50 from Sportsbook is worth snaffling. 

The Warriors have put all their faith in Tim David and Sikandar Raza in the middle order blasting quick runs. Up front they at least boast Johnson Charles, who has been supremely reliable on top bats. He boasts a 30% win rate in this competition in the last two years. Sportsbook offer 4/15.00 and that has to be a play given the ten percentage points on implied probability in our favour. 

This contest takes place in Sharjah and, again, there is a significant toss bias for the chaser in night matches. Eleven of the 14 ILT20 matches have been won by the team batting second so the in-play strategies discussed above hold firm.

Now read Ed's tips and preview for the second Ashes Test