The Dubai Capitals - owned by the GMR Group - take on Desert Vipers in match 20 of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2023 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, January 28.

While the Vipers claimed a seven-wicket win against MI Emirates, the Capitals saw their recent matchup against Sharjah Warriors washed out after an initial play of five overs.

With just two wins so far, Dubai Capitals know there is no margin for error in their upcoming games. A surprise victory over their opponents on Saturday will relieve the camp's pressure and keep their faint playoff hopes alive.

Desert Vipers, meanwhile, returned to winning ways after a loss to Gulf Giants in match 12 halted their three-game winning streak.

Here are some talking points:

Capitals' bowlers must up the ante

Desert Vipers have one of the most free-scoring batters in Alex Hales, leading their batting charge with 418 runs in five games. Furthermore, the Englishman has a century and four fifties to his name with a strike rate of 161.38.

Dubai Capitals' Akif Raja has stood out with the ball with six wickets in six games and will need to bowl the right lengths to stop Hales from continuing his marathon of runs.

Sikandar Raza poised for a big knock

After scoring just 57 runs in the three games, Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza is facing slight pressure to keep his place in the team. Raza had a memorable 2022 as he registered 735 runs in 23 T20I innings and was thus included in the ICC men’s T20 Team of 2022.

In the upcoming match against Desert Vipers, the 36-year-old will be eager to put up a batting performance worthy of his usual best.