The Asia Cup 2025 is set to bring cricketing action back to the United Arab Emirates. The tournament kicks off on September 10 with a clash between hosts the UAE and India at the Dubai International Stadium. This Group A fixture marks the beginning of India’s campaign in the T20-format tournament, which runs until September 28. With eight teams participating, the competition is not only about continental supremacy but also serves as an important build-up for the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for next year.
For India, expectations are sky-high as the team features a line-up of some of the most explosive T20 specialists. UAE, meanwhile, will look to punch above their weight in front of home fans and make a strong impression against the cricketing giants.
Match Preview
India comes into the game as overwhelming favourites. The squad under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav is stacked with power-hitters and versatile all-rounders. It is complemented by a bowling attack that thrives across conditions.
For the UAE, the challenge is daunting but not impossible. The home advantage at Dubai International Stadium, combined with their spirited approach and familiarity with the conditions, gives them a slim chance of causing an upset. Historically, the venue has seen teams preferring to chase, with dew in the evenings playing a crucial role in determining match outcomes. This factor could add tactical weight to the toss and team selection.
Squads
India (15-member squad):
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Other members: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
- Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
UAE (17-member squad):
- Captain: Muhammad Waseem
- Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Saghir Khan.
Team News
India’s preparations have been boosted by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, whose fitness has been confirmed ahead of the opener. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav is also fully fit, ready to lead from the front.
On the other hand, the squad has encountered some surprises. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dropped from the final selection. It sparkled discussions among fans and analysts alike. Shubman Gill’s strong practice sessions in Dubai suggest he could play a major role in the starting XI, while Sanju Samson may be overlooked as the team experiments with balance.
India also unveiled a refreshed, sponsor-free jersey during practice sessions, which has already become a talking point due to its minimalist design. However, not all news has been positive—reports emerged of a squad member missing out due to dengue, though the player’s identity remains undisclosed.
Weather & Pitch Conditions
Match day in Dubai is expected to be scorching. With temperatures touching 36°C (98°F) under a hazy sun, endurance will be a challenge for both teams. The heat may force bowlers to operate in short bursts, and hydration breaks are likely to be crucial for their performance.
The pitch at the Dubai International Stadium has historically leaned slightly towards fast bowlers. Around 60% of dismissals here have gone to pacers, while spinners account for the remaining 40%. The surface also tends to ease out under lights, making it friendlier for chasing teams. Add in the dew factor, and batting second could be a significant advantage.
Probable Playing XI
India:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
UAE:
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Simranjeet Singh, Matiullah Khan.
Key Players
India
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): The undisputed king of T20 innovation, Suryakumar’s 360-degree stroke-making has made him one of the most feared batters in the format. With a career strike-rate of 167.07 and an average close to 40, his presence at No.4 could well decide India’s fortunes.
- Jasprit Bumrah (Pace Spearhead): India’s go-to bowler in pressure situations, Bumrah’s ability to control both the powerplay and the death overs is unmatched. His T20I average of 17.74 and economy of 6.27 highlight his consistency and skill.
UAE
- Muhammad Waseem (Captain & Opener): A proven match-winner, Waseem has piled up 2922 T20I runs at an average of 37.94 with a strike-rate of 155.67. His explosive starts often set the tone for the UAE’s innings.
- Asif Khan (Top-order Batter): With 1298 runs at an average of 30.18, Asif Khan brings reliability and flair. His role will be pivotal in countering India’s
Match Prediction: Who Will Win the Match?
India heads into the match as clear favourites. Their superior depth in batting, variety in bowling, and wealth of big-match experience give them a decisive edge. While the UAE will draw confidence from its home advantage and the leadership of Muhammad Waseem, it lacks the all-round firepower required to consistently challenge India.
Conditions in Dubai, with high heat and potential dew in the evening, suggest a slight bias towards the chasing side. If India gets to bat second, the prediction tilts even more in their favour.
Prediction: India to secure a convincing win. If defending, expect a victory by 8–10 overs; if chasing, India could wrap up the game by 5–7 wickets.
