Asia Cup 2025 Preview: India Set to Face UAE in Dubai

India, the designated hosts of the Asia Cup 2025, will take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on September 10 at 6:30 PM local time (8 PM IST). While it may seem unusual for India to “host” UAE outside their own borders, the logistical challenges surrounding the tournament make this a small victory in ensuring the event happens at all.

India Crush UAE — Asia Cup 2025 Highlights

Date: September 10, 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Match Summary

• UAE were bowled out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.

• India comfortably chased down the target of 58 in only 4.3 overs, winning the game by 9 wickets.

Top Performers

Key Highlights

• This emphatic victory marks a strong start for India in the Asia Cup 2025.

• UAE’s batting completely collapsed under pressure, unable to handle India’s disciplined bowling attack.

• India sent a clear message that they won’t take any opponent lightly in this tournament.

India vs United Arab Emirates, 2nd Match, Group A – Live Cricket Score, Commentary

• START TIME
• 8:00 PM
• 2:30 PM GMT
• 6:30 PM LOCAL

Historical Context

This will be only the second T20I encounter between India and UAE. Their first meeting in the 2016 Asia Cup ended in a one-sided affair, with India chasing 82 runs in just 10.1 overs. Rohit Sharma’s 28-ball 39 earned him the Player of the Match.

Nearly a decade later, UAE has improved, largely thanks to exposure through the ILT20, but India remains dominant. The Indian batting lineup has evolved into a fearless and aggressive unit, enhanced by IPL strategies and the Impact Player rule. Since the T20 World Cup, India has won 17 of 20 T20Is, including three away series, entering this match as clear favourites.

Venue & Conditions

• Location: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

• Pitch: Some grass expected, favouring pacers.

• Weather: Extremely hot, with temperatures around 36°C at match time and highs of 42°C.

India Team Overview

India’s squad has largely gelled, with some selection decisions still pending:

• Probable XI: Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy

• Key Notes: Shivam Dube likely fills the allrounder’s slot; Jitesh Sharma set behind the stumps; Suryakumar Yadav aims to regain top form in T20Is.

UAE Team Overview

UAE will depend on key performers to challenge India:

• Probable XI: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Farooq, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

• Key Players: Captain Muhammad Waseem is UAE’s top T20I run-scorer and was Player of the Series in their recent 2-1 win over Bangladesh.

Interesting Stats

• India has won 6 of 10 T20Is in UAE.

• Muhammad Waseem is second only to Rohit Sharma in T20I sixes for UAE.

• Kuldeep Yadav has not played a T20I since the 2024 World Cup.

Player Quotes

• Muhammad Waseem: “We have been preparing for months for such a great event. I am confident we are ready for this challenge.”

• Suryakumar Yadav: “We are playing T20 as a team after a long time. We had some good days together and are looking forward to this tournament.”

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