Introduction ADKR vs DV Dream11 Prediction

We are deep into the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26, and Match 17 is shaping up to be a classic David vs. Goliath battle. The unbeaten Desert Vipers (DV) are bulldozing everyone in their path, sitting comfortably at the top of the table. On the other side, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) are in crisis mode, desperate to snap a losing streak that has left them languishing at the bottom.

Can Andre Russell and Sunil Narine finally wake up and stop the Vipers’ juggernaut? Or will Sam Curran and his men continue their ruthless run? If you are building a fantasy team for this clash, you need more than just gut feeling—you need the stats, the conditions, and the matchups.

Let’s break down the ADKR vs DV Dream11 Prediction so you can lock in that winning team.

Match Details: ILT20 2025-26

Match: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers (17th Match)
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM IST / 6:30 PM Local
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Live Telecast: Zee Network & ZEE5

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report

Abu Dhabi is usually a paradise for batsmen, but don’t let the “flat track” reputation fool you completely. In this tournament, we’ve seen a pattern. The new ball comes on nicely, allowing openers to score freely in the Powerplay. However, the boundaries here are massive—especially the square ones.

For Batters: Look for players who play straight (down the ground) rather than cross-batted sloggers, who often get caught on the long boundaries.
For Bowlers: Spinners dominate the middle overs here. If a team is bowling second, the dew factor might ruin their grip, making chasing the preferred option.
Verdict: Win the toss, bowl first. Target a score of 170+.

ADKR vs DV: Probable Playing XIs

Note: Always check the toss update 30 minutes before the match, but here is the most likely setup based on current form.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR)

These guys are hurting. The top order of Salt and Hales looks explosive on paper but hasn’t fired in unison. They might shuffle the pack today.

Probable XI: Philip Salt (wk), Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Brandon McMullen, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder (c), George Garton, Piyush Chawla, Joshua Little/Ali Khan.

Desert Vipers (DV)

Why fix what isn’t broken? The Vipers are a well-oiled machine right now. Their batting depth is insane, and the bowling attack is aggressive.

Probable XI: Max Holden, Fakhar Zaman, Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Curran, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Lockie Ferguson (c), Naseem Shah, Khuzaima Tanveer, Noor Ahmad, David Payne.

Top Picks: ADKR vs DV Dream11 Prediction

If you are playing Small Leagues (SL), you cannot afford to drop these players. They are the “safety nets” of your fantasy team.

1. Sam Curran (DV)

He is the MVP of the season so far. Batting in the top/middle order and bowling crucial overs at the death? He is a fantasy goldmine. Even if he fails with the bat, he usually picks up a wicket or two. Captaincy material.

2. Andre Russell (ADKR)

Yes, ADKR is losing, but you never drop Dre Russ in T20s. He bowls at the death and can change a game in 10 balls. His fantasy points ceiling is higher than anyone else on the field.

3. Philip Salt (ADKR)

Wicket-keepers are always valuable for catch points, but Salt is lethal in the Powerplay. On a skiddy Abu Dhabi surface, he can tear the new ball bowlers apart.

4. Noor Ahmad (DV)

The mystery spinner is going to love the big boundaries at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Batters will try to hit him against the turn and likely hole out in the deep.

Differential Picks (High Risk, High Reward)

Want to win Grand Leagues (GL)? You need players owned by less than 20% of the public.

Lockie Ferguson (DV): His raw pace can rattle the struggling ADKR lower order.
Liam Livingstone (ADKR): He has been quiet, which means he is due for a big one. If he spins a few overs, he’s a massive bonus.

ADKR vs DV Dream11 Team Prediction

Here is a balanced team structure to guide your lineup.

Wicket-Keepers: P Salt (VC), V Aravind
Batters: A Hales, S Hetmyer, D Lawrence
All-Rounders: A Russell, S Narine, S Curran (C), J Holder
Bowlers: L Ferguson, N Ahmad

Alternative Captain Options:

Risky: Alex Hales (If ADKR chases)
Safe: Andre Russell

FAQs: ADKR vs DV Match 17

Q: Who is the favorite to win Match 17?

A: Based on current form, Desert Vipers are heavy favorites. They are unbeaten, while ADKR has lost four in a row.

Q: Is the pitch spin-friendly or pace-friendly?

A: It is balanced, but the spinners tend to control the middle overs (7-15) because of the large boundary sizes.

Q: What is the average first innings score at Abu Dhabi this season?

A: It hovers around 160-165 runs. Anything above 180 is very hard to chase.

Conclusion

This match is do-or-die for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Desperation often brings out the best in champion players like Russell and Narine, so don’t write them off completely. However, the Desert Vipers are playing disciplined, high-quality cricket.

For your ADKR vs DV Dream11 Prediction, stick to the all-rounders. In T20 cricket, players who contribute in both innings are your ticket to the top of the leaderboard. Good luck!