The opening match of ILT20 Season 5 will take place on November 21 at the Dubai International Stadium. In a rematch of the final from last year, Desert Vipers will take on MI Emirates, the champions of Season 2 and the defending champions. The evening matches of the season will start at 6.30 pm, marking the prime-time slot in India. The season’s second fixture will be a clash between the Sharjah Warriorz and Season 1 champions Gulf Giants at 2 pm at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Season 3 champions Dubai Capitals will launch their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at their home venue – the Dubai International Stadium – in the second match of the Super Sunday double-header. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will take on MI Emirates at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on November 26 for the inaugural match in Abu Dhabi. A double-header between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and the Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the afternoon and Dubai Capitals hosting MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium in the evening will be the league's celebration of UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on December 2. In the 34-match double round-robin tournament, each team will play 10 matches. At the end of the 30-match group stage, the top four teams in the points table will progress to the four-match playoffs, which will culminate in the Season 5 final at the Dubai International Stadium on December 20. Six days of double-header competition will be part of the 30-day competition.