The Dubai Capitals - owned by the GMR Group - take on Desert Vipers in match 25 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2023 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 2.

Both teams are coming off respective victories in their last matchups. While the Vipers thumped Sharjah Warriors by 22 runs, the Capitals registered a clinical seven-wicket thrashing of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Dubai Capitals are in a do-or-die situation to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, as they could still go fourth on the points table with a win. On the flip side, victory for the Desert Vipers would see them take the top spot on the points table.

Here are some talking points:

Zampa's instant impact on arrival

Despite his late entry, Australian spinner Adam Zampa has provided a solid injection to Dubai Capitals' bowling unit. The 30-year-old has scalped six wickets in two games at an economy of 4.00. Given the talent brimming in Desert Vipers' top order, Zampa is poised to make an early breakthrough and restrict the visitors from going on a run-scoring spree.

It's now or never for the Capitals' batting unit

The Dubai Capitals' batting order showed their mettle as they chased 150 against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders with 14 balls to spare. Captain Rovman Powell continues to lead the charts for his side with 287 runs, but following his last outing, George Munsey will be tasked with giving DC a perfect headstart to the batting innings on Thursday.

The middle order, featuring the likes of Sikandar Raza and Yusuf Pathan, are due to showcase their explosive hitting power and the reverse fixture against Desert Vipers could be the right occasion.