International League T20 Tips Matches 21 and 22: Don't miss twin 16/5 bets

• Late surge from ADKR

• MI Emirates seek consistency

• Pooran and Ferguson can deliver

• Sharjah keen with toss in favour

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v Gulf Giants
Saturday 20 December, 10:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v MI Emirates ILT20 tips

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have hauled themselves off the bottom with two consecutive wins and could reach the heady heights of second with a win and then two more to play in the group stages. It is some turnaround for the franchise which appeared to be producing its trademark damp squib of a season.

And few can argue with the calibre of their successes at the death. They became the first team to beat Desert Vipers and ousted Gulf Giants, who they could usurp as pretenders to the runaway leaders. 

The key has been a turnaround in their batting. Previously fragile the top- and middle-order have taken it in turns to produce in both games. There has also been support for Jason Holder with the ball, who has previously felt like the only genuine wicket-taking threat.

MI Emirates are often the litmus test for the match odds and it is suitably impressed to make this a choice affair. MI are hit and miss as they so often can be and they are yet to put together back-to-back wins. Coming into it off the heat of a thriller against Dubai, this represents a strong chance to break that sequence.

In the head-to-head this term, MI won comfortably by seven wickets. Faz farooqi and Kamindu Mendis took seven wickets between them. Mendis' left-arm spin variation was part of a trend for ADKR struggles against that style of bowling which they appear to have worked hard to solve. Still the 8/19.00 about Kamindu hurting them with a top bowler win hasn't taken into account that game and is far too generous. 

Nic Pooran has had a quiet tournament on top bats but it might be time to consider him again for a win at a more appealing 16/54.20. 

Sharjah Warriors v Dubai Capitals
Friday 19 December, 14.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Desert Vipers v Sharjah Warriors  ILT20 tips

Does this tournament have another shock in store? Vipers are unstoppable seemingly at the head of affair with six wins in seven while Sharjah are bottom of the pack with two wins a game less. There appears to be a huge gulf in ability but we know that external factors have a big say in Dubai.

In 36 night matches at the venue 24 have been won by the side chasing with one tie. It is a massive bias caused by the ball getting wet because of the Dubai dew, making it harder for bowlers to grip the ball and therefore have total control. 

Given that massive trend, Sharjah have to be considered value if the flip goes their way. The match odds has them at 2.506/4 outsiders and that might not change that much once the coin toss is made.

And despite their lowly status, Sharjah have picked up. There are signs they are more competitive with two wins in their last three,. including one over MI Emirates. 

Players due an impact include Fakhar Zaman on top bats for Vipers at 10/34.33 while Lockie Ferguson has been Mr Reliable with the ball. He should be favourite instead of 16/54.20. Similarly Taskin Ahmed is underrated on Sharjah's market at 7/24.50 after a three-wicket haul last time out. 

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