7:57pm Well, that was a damp squib (quite literally too). Both don't worry too much. The ILT20 will be back tomorrow with a double header, and with a much better weather forecast, hopefully we will get to see some cricket. Until next time, this is me (Shashwat) signing off on behalf of everyone at ESPNcricinfo. Goodbye, goodnight and take care!
7:54pm I am afraid I have bad news for all those longing for some ILT20 action tonight. This game between the Gulf Giants and MI Emirates has been called off. Both teams will share the spoils, and this result means that the Giants extend their lead at the top of the points table to two points. MI Emirates, meanwhile, stay third on the table.
7:31pm The inspection was scheduled to have happened about fifteen minutes ago but we still await an official update.
7:03pm The covers are still firmly in place and the ground staff are hard at work. We will have an inspection in a bit, and that should provide more clarity on when this game can get underway. Stick around, we might have action very soon.
6:40pm Good news, folks. The rain has stopped and we will have a pitch and ground inspection at 7:15pm local time.
6pm The rain continues to fall at the Dubai International Stadium. A few puddles are forming on the outfield too now.
5:40pm The rain has gotten heavier. Let's hope it passes soon.
Here is what David Gower had to say about the strip when he had a look at it before the rain started falling. It looks a decent pitch, he says, although it is bereft of much live grass. He expects swing to play a part again, and reckons the captain winning the toss would want to bowl first.
5:30pm There is a little bit of rain around, and it looks like the toss has been delayed. The covers are placed on the square, as we speak.
The Giants currently sit atop the points table, and could go three points clear if they win today. An MI Emirates victory, on the other hand, would take them level with the Desert Vipers, who are placed second at the moment.
Both teams have endured a bit of a sticky patch lately. The Giants are without a win in their last two (although one of those games was washed out). Similarly, MI Emirates come into this game looking to snap a two-match losing streak. There is plenty of quality on both sides, meaning that both would want to prove this run is just an aberration. However, if we get a completed game tonight, one of these sides will be without a win in three encounters - something that could throw their qualification prospects into jeopardy as the tournament enters its home stretch.
Weather played a part yesterday and cut short the encounter between the Dubai Capitals and the Sharjah Warriors. Hopefully we will not be treated to something along those lines today because, cricket, after all, is what we are here for.
5pm Hello and welcome to ESPNcricinfo's live coverage of this ILT20 clash between the Gulf Giants and MI Emirates. I am Shashwat Kumar and I will be your eyes and ears for everything that happens tonight. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
