The Asia Cup 2025 caravan rolls into Dubai for a historic clash as defending champions India kick off their campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates. Suryakumar Yadav’s new-look Men in Blue face a UAE side eager to make a mark on their return to the continental showpiece after nine long years.
This Group A contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium promises high energy, contrasting narratives, and potentially some records tumbling.
India – Title defence begins
India arrive in the UAE with confidence, having won six of their last seven T20Is. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, a younger core is set to carry the mantle. Vice-captain Shubman Gill’s comeback headlines the squad, with the stylish opener expected to partner Abhishek Sharma at the top.
Coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed squad balance, with multi-skilled players like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube providing depth. Bowling responsibility lies with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, while Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav add mystery spin options.
The key talking point, however, is India’s wicketkeeper slot. Sanju Samson’s place looks under threat with Jitesh Sharma’s finishing ability being favoured for team balance.
UAE – Big moment under home lights
For UAE, this fixture is more than just a group-stage match. Under skipper Muhammad Waseem, they return to the Asia Cup T20 fold for the first time since 2016. Waseem’s explosive batting alongside Alishan Sharafu sets the tone, while keeper Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan strengthen the middle order.
Bowling firepower comes from Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah, with spin support from Haider Ali and Simranjeet Singh. Backed by familiar conditions and a passionate home crowd, UAE will look to test India’s composure.
Coach Lalchand Rajput has already fired up his side, insisting: “It’s a tough game, but my boys won’t let India have it easy.”
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 1
- India Won: 1
- UAE Won: 0
Their only previous meeting came in the 2016 Asia Cup T20, where India chased down UAE’s 81 with nine wickets to spare.
Squads
India Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh.
UAE Squad
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Dhruv Parashar, Basil Hameed, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Zahoor Khan, Aryan Lakra, Rohid Khan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
Key Stats & Records
- India in Dubai: India’s T20I win/loss ratio at this venue is 0.5 (5 wins in 9 matches).
- UAE in Dubai: UAE have won just 3 of their 13 T20Is at this ground.
- Suryakumar Yadav: 181 runs in 8 Dubai innings, avg 36.20.
- Abhishek Sharma (2025 form): 279 runs in 5 innings this year, avg 55.80.
- Jasprit Bumrah: 67 dismissals of right-handers in T20Is, economy 6.11.
- Kuldeep Yadav: 43 wickets vs right-handers in T20Is, avg 13.4.
- Muhammad Waseem: 172 runs at Dubai (9 innings), 12 fours, 10 sixes.
- Junaid Siddique: 15 wickets at Dubai, avg 16.66.
Records That Could Be Broken
- Arshdeep Singh – 1 wicket away from 100 T20I wickets.
- Hardik Pandya – needs 3 wickets to overtake Yuzvendra Chahal (96) for 2nd most by an Indian.
- Jasprit Bumrah – 1 wicket away from 90 T20I wickets.
- Shubman Gill – needs 22 runs to complete 600 T20I runs.
- Sanju Samson – 39 runs short of 900 T20I runs & 1 six away from 50 T20I sixes.
- Muhammad Waseem – 78 runs away from 3000 T20I runs.
Likely Playing XIs
India Probable XI
Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
UAE Probable XI
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
Key Battles to Watch
- Shubman Gill vs Junaid Siddique: UAE’s ace pacer against India’s comeback opener.
- Suryakumar Yadav vs Haider Ali: SKY’s unorthodox stroke-play against UAE’s young spinner.
- Muhammad Waseem vs Bumrah/Arshdeep: UAE’s best batter will have to counter India’s pace duo early.
What’s at stake?
For India, this is the dress rehearsal before their high-voltage clash with Pakistan on September 14. For UAE, it’s about proving they belong on Asia’s biggest T20 stage and taking confidence into the rest of the tournament.
Whatever the result, Dubai is set for a night where cricketing worlds collide – a powerhouse defending champion against a spirited host nation chasing their moment in the spotlight.
FAQs – India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 Preview
When is the India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match?
The India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 Group A match will be played on Thursday, September 11, at the Dubai International Stadium.
What time does IND vs UAE start in Asia Cup 2025?
The match starts at 7:30 PM IST / 6:00 PM local time in Dubai.
Where will India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 be played?
The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
How many times have India and UAE faced each other in T20Is?
India and UAE have met only once before in T20Is, during the 2016 Asia Cup. India won that game comfortably.
Who are the key players to watch in IND vs UAE?
For India: Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
For UAE: Muhammad Waseem, Asif Khan, and Junaid Siddique.
What are the records to watch in India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025?
- Arshdeep Singh is 1 wicket away from 100 T20I wickets.
- Muhammad Waseem needs 78 runs to reach 3000 T20I runs.
- Hardik Pandya is 3 wickets away from becoming India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
What is India’s record in Dubai T20Is?
India have played 9 T20Is in Dubai, winning 5 and losing 4.
Has UAE ever beaten India in international cricket?
No, UAE have never beaten India in T20Is or ODIs so far.
