India (IND) will commence their Asia Cup 2025 journey facing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, September 10, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with Suryakumar Yadav’s squad seeking to capture the prestigious T20 tournament title once more.
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UAE vs India: Preview
Over a month has passed since cricket’s most valuable franchise competition concluded. Such extended breaks from international cricket are uncommon for India. They return to action in a tournament that skeptics view as primarily designed to allow other Asian cricket boards to capitalize on India’s financial influence while securing their backing in administrative matters. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t diminish the valuable opportunity it provides smaller nations to compete against elite opposition.
There’s something paradoxical about India, officially the Asia Cup 2025 hosts, welcoming UAE on Dubai soil. Yet considering the uncertainty that shrouded this tournament for months beforehand, having dual hosting arrangements – and witnessing the event materialize at all – represents a meaningful achievement.
This marks just the second T20I encounter between these nations. Their previous meeting occurred during the 2016 Asia Cup, where UAE struggled to 81/9, a target India surpassed comfortably within 10.1 overs. The mismatch was so pronounced that Rohit Sharma earned Player of the Match honors for a modest 28-ball 39.
Consider UAE, India’s opening adversaries, who have completed an entire T20I tri-series during India’s absence from international cricket. They pushed Afghanistan to the brink despite failing to secure victory in any tournament match. This represents exactly the challenging cricket experience they required before confronting the world’s premier team in a year where their positive momentum from a bilateral series triumph over Bangladesh was derailed by consecutive defeats to Uganda within ten days during the Pearl of Africa series.
Nearly a decade later, while the divide has decreased, it remains substantial. UAE has progressed considerably, benefiting significantly from the ILT20 and the international exposure it has provided their players. Few understand India’s transformation into a powerhouse better than UAE coach Lalchand Rajput, who guided India through their inaugural T20 World Cup journey when the format’s biggest stars barely took it seriously. Should Rajput and captain Muhammad Waseem orchestrate victory against India, it would rank among the year’s most stunning upsets.
There’s no mistaking the challenge ahead – they face the defending T20 World Cup champions, the only side to achieve a perfect record in T20 World Cup competition and one that has continued improving since that historic campaign. While India might lack a specialized bowler capable of clearing the boundary, their batting unit’s explosive power combined with their bowling attack’s distinctive qualities positions them as potential candidates for the greatest T20 dynasty in cricket history.
India has transformed dramatically. Their batting approach has evolved from conservative to aggressive, initially through Rohit Sharma’s attacking philosophy and later amplified by the IPL’s Impact Player innovation. What once represented cautious cricket has become boldly expansive.
Since the 2024 World Cup concluded, Kuldeep Yadav has been absent from India’s T20I squads.
Post-T20 World Cup statistics confirm this evolution, even without Rohit in the T20I framework. India has secured 17 victories from 20 T20I matches in the current World Cup cycle, claiming all five bilateral series contested, including three overseas campaigns. Against UAE, they enter as overwhelming favorites.
UAE’s only encouragement stems from India’s seven-month absence from T20I cricket and historically mixed results at these venues. The painful memory of Pakistan’s 10-wicket demolition in 2021 – India’s sole ICC tournament defeat to their rivals – remains fresh. The following year brought losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, costing them an Asia Cup final berth. In terms of six-hitting prowess in T20I cricket, Waseem ranks second globally, trailing only Rohit Sharma’s record.
This doesn’t suggest competitive balance exists on paper. India’s advantages in talent depth and financial resources vastly exceed UAE’s capabilities. However, for a team competing at home venues where their players have competed alongside global stars through the ILT20, there exists quiet optimism about testing India’s resolve. Cricket has witnessed greater surprises, particularly in Dubai’s unique environment.
UAE vs India: Recent Form
Following their last T20 World Cup triumph, India has maintained exceptional form with 24 wins against just three defeats in T20I cricket.
India: WWLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
UAE: LLLLL
UAE vs India: Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record heavily favors India, having defeated UAE by nine wickets in their sole T20I meeting during the 2016 Asia Cup. UAE’s struggles against India extend across formats, with three consecutive ODI defeats, including their most recent clash at the 2015 World Cup.
India’s T20I record in the UAE stands at six victories from 10 encounters, with triumphs over Pakistan, Afghanistan (twice), Hong Kong, Namibia, and Scotland.
| Matches Played | 01 |
| Won By IND | 01 |
| Won By UAE | 00 |
| Only Fixture | March 03, 2016 |
UAE vs India: Pitch Conditions and Weather Report
The pitch features some grass coverage, suggesting fresher conditions compared to earlier tournaments. With the cricket season just beginning in the region, pace bowlers are expected to play a more prominent role than previously seen. Weather conditions present a significant challenge, with temperatures reaching a scorching 42 degrees and “excessive heat” warnings in effect. Even at match time, players and spectators will endure approximately 36-degree conditions.
This fresher surface may prompt India to deploy more balanced bowling combinations, potentially including a second specialist fast bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah rather than relying heavily on spin options. The oppressive climate will severely test the physical conditioning and endurance of both teams throughout the contest.
UAE vs India: Team News and Predicted XI
UAE – Team News
Alishan Sharafu has returned to his opening role alongside captain Waseem following recent tactical adjustments that had spread power hitters throughout the batting order. The middle order features Asif Khan and wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra as key components.
The bowling attack centers around Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid, and Haider Ali, while Simranjeet has emerged as a promising option after delivering impressive figures of 4-0-24-1 in his sole appearance this season.
Captain Muhammad Wasim leads UAE’s T20I run-scoring charts and has notched three of his nation’s four centuries in the format. His recent Player of the Series performance during UAE’s 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh highlights his current form and importance to the team’s prospects.
The squad reports no injury concerns, with all players available for selection.
UAE – Predicted XI
- Muhammad Waseem (capt)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Rahul Chopra (wk)
- Asif Khan
- Muhammad Farooq
- Harshit Kaushik
- Muhammad Zohaib
- Muhammad Jawadullah/Saghir Khan
- Haider Ali
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Rohid
India – Team News
India faces critical selection dilemmas regarding batting positions and bowling balance. The primary concern involves Sanju Samson’s role – whether he secures a spot in the XI and at which position, given potential disruption to established middle-order combinations.
Squad composition presents another strategic puzzle: deploying four specialist bowlers plus two all-rounders versus a three-plus-three configuration. The former approach would feature both mystery spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, requiring Harshit Rana to contribute with the bat at number eight. The alternative necessitates omitting one spinner unless conditions heavily favor turn.
Net session observations suggest Shivam Dube leads the all-rounder race, with the pitch’s grassy surface potentially favoring his inclusion. Jitesh Sharma appears positioned to claim wicket-keeping duties, while Abhishek Sharma and returning vice-captain Shubman Gill seem destined to open the innings.
Axar Patel looks set for the number eight position, leaving the final spinning slot contested between Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav faces pressure to return to peak form after managing just 457 runs across 22 innings since early 2024 – averaging barely 22 with a strike rate significantly below his IPL standards despite strong franchise performance.
The entire 15-member squad remains injury-free and available for selection.
India – Predicted XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
UAE vs India: Players to Watch Out For
UAE (Simranjeet Singh)
Simranjeet Singh, hailing from Ludhiana like his Punjab compatriot, once bowled to Gill during net sessions when the future India Test captain was merely 12 years old. The left-arm spinner spent years on the periphery of Punjab and Kings XI Punjab selection before finding himself trapped in Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rather than return home, he remained in the UAE, dedicating himself to coaching young talent. Now 35, he prepares to face the recently-turned 26-year-old Gill in international competition.
India (Shubman Gill)
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill returns to the T20I setup in a vice-captaincy role, strongly indicating his reinstatement as an opener. His previous absence could be viewed less as losing his spot and more as tactical rest while focusing on formats deemed higher priority at the time.
His return coincides with India’s intensified preparation for defending their world title early next year. Gill brings impressive recent form – accumulating 650 IPL runs at a strike rate of 155.87 while appearing to operate well within his capabilities.
UAE vs India: Match Prediction
Scenario 1
- India win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay: 30-40
- UAE: 130-140
- India win the match
Scenario 2
- UAE win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay: 45-55
- IND: 160-170
- India win the match
When and Where to Watch UAE vs India? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Indian cricket enthusiasts can catch the UAE vs India Asia Cup 2025 clash live on multiple Sony Sports Network channels, including Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD for English commentary. Regional language broadcasts are available on Sony Sports Ten 3 and Sony Sports Ten 3 HD for Hindi commentary, while Sony Sports Ten 4 offers Tamil and Telugu commentary options. For digital viewers, live streaming is exclusively available on the SonyLIV app and website, requiring a subscription that starts from ₹399 per month.
The toss is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, with the match commencing at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local Dubai time) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
International viewers can access coverage through various regional broadcasters: TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK, Foxtel and Kayo Sports in Australia, PTV Sports with free streaming on Tamasha and Myco in Pakistan, and Willow TV through Sling TV in the United States. Additionally, FanCode also provides live streaming options for Indian audiences alongside SonyLIV.
FAQs
When and where is the UAE vs India Asia Cup 2025 match being played?
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The toss will take place at 7:30 PM IST, with the match starting at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local Dubai time).
How can Indian fans watch the UAE vs India match live?
Indian viewers can watch the match on Sony Sports Network channels (Ten 1, Ten 3 for Hindi, Ten 4 for Tamil/Telugu, Ten 5) or stream live on SonyLIV app and website with a subscription starting from ₹399 per month.
What is India’s head-to-head record against UAE in T20Is?
India and UAE have met only once before in T20Is, during the 2016 Asia Cup, where India won by nine wickets after restricting UAE to 81/9. India also holds a 3-0 record against UAE in ODIs.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For India, watch captain Suryakumar Yadav seeking form, returning vice-captain Shubman Gill, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. For UAE, captain Muhammad Waseem (second-highest six-hitter in T20Is globally) and coach Lalchand Rajput will be crucial figures.
What are the weather conditions expected for the match?
The match will be played in challenging conditions with temperatures around 36°C at match time and a daily high of 42°C. “Excessive heat” warnings are in effect, which will test the conditioning of both teams throughout the encounter.
