Dubai Capitals vs Rangpur Riders Prediction, Players, Standings, Odds: 16/7/2025

As the 2025 Global Super League reaches a critical juncture, every match carries weight—especially for teams eyeing a place in the final.

The upcoming 8th game of the tournament will see the Dubai Capitals taking on the in-form Rangpur Riders at Providence Stadium in Guyana. For Dubai, this is a do-or-die clash after consecutive heavy defeats. Meanwhile, Rangpur will be riding high on momentum after two solid wins, including a thrilling finish against the Hobart Hurricanes.

Dubai Capitals: Urgent Need for a Turnaround

The Capitals, led by Gulbadin Naib, find themselves in a precarious position. Following a promising start, the team has slumped to back-to-back defeats, including a 57-run loss to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. With their place in the final hanging in the balance, they must deliver a significantly improved performance against a confident Rangpur unit.

One of the few bright spots in Dubai’s campaign has been Sediqullah Atal, who has provided some consistency at the top. Partnering with Rohan Mustafa, Atal will aim to give the side a strong platform. The middle order, featuring experienced names like Niroshan Dickwella, Gulbadin Naib, and Shakib Al Hasan, has failed to fire so far and will be under pressure to step up. Lower-order batters Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Jesse Bootan will also need to contribute with quick runs if Dubai hopes to post or chase a competitive total.

On the bowling front, there’s been little to celebrate. The pace duo of Dominic Drakes and Kaleem Sana will be tasked with making early inroads, while Naib and Shakib will shoulder responsibilities in the middle overs. Qais Ahmed and Mustafa will need to deliver in their supporting roles to help restrict Rangpur’s in-form lineup.

Dubai Capitals Expected XI: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Sediqullah Atal, Rohan Mustafa, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Kadeem Alleyne, Jesse Bootan, Dominic Drakes, Aryaman Varma, Qais Ahmad, Kaleem Sana

Rangpur Riders: Riding High on Winning Momentum

Defending champions Rangpur Riders have lived up to expectations so far. Under the captaincy of Nurul Hasan, the team has notched up two wins from two outings. Their most recent victory—a nail-biting one-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes—showed their ability to hold nerve in pressure situations. A win here would confirm their spot in the final.

Opener Ibrahim Zadran has been reliable, and he’ll again pair with Soumya Sarkar at the top. All-rounder Kyle Mayers, who starred in the previous match with a match-winning knock, is pivotal in the middle order alongside Yasir Ali and skipper Nurul Hasan. Finishing duties will rest on the capable shoulders of Azmatullah Omarzai and Iftikhar Ahmed, giving the Riders solid batting depth.

With the ball, Rangpur has impressed with disciplined performances. New-ball pair Omarzai and Mayers will look to strike early again. Khaled Ahmed, who bagged four wickets in the previous outing, adds a potent threat in the middle overs with support from Rakibul Hasan. The team also relies on spin variations from Iftikhar Ahmed and Tabraiz Shamsi to tighten the grip during crucial stages.

Rangpur Riders Expected XI: Nurul Hasan (capt & wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Soumya Sarkar, Kyle Mayers, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yasir Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Rakibul Hasan, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khaled Ahmed

Conditions and Strategy

Weather

Rain may play a part in the proceedings in Guyana, with forecasts pointing to overcast skies and possible interruptions. Bowlers could benefit from the added movement off the surface and through the air, making batting slightly tricky.

Pitch Report – Providence Stadium

Traditionally, this venue has offered assistance to fast bowlers, particularly in the first innings. Spinners come into play later as the pitch slows down. Batters need to apply themselves early before shifting gears. The average first-innings score here this season has been around 150, though a score nearing 180 could prove to be match-winning.

Toss Decision – Bat First

Given that teams batting first have won five out of the six matches at this venue in the current season, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for setting a total and defending it under lights when conditions become tougher for the chasing side.

Prediction

Despite starting the tournament with a win, the Dubai Capitals have seen their campaign go off track. Inconsistent top-order performances and underwhelming bowling have cost them dearly. In contrast, Rangpur Riders have showcased depth and balance in all departments.

While the contest could be competitive, given the stakes, Rangpur’s overall form and settled unit make them slight favorites heading into this fixture.

Prediction: Rangpur Riders