The Asia Cup 2025 continues with an intriguing battle as India face hosts UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday evening. While India enter the tournament as heavy favourites, the UAE carry the advantage of home conditions and rising confidence after recent international success.
🇮🇳 India look to extend dominance
India, who last played a T20I more than seven months ago, come into this tournament with a refreshed side. Suryakumar Yadav takes over the captaincy, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Young opener Abhishek Sharma is set to partner Gill at the top, while Tilak Varma strengthens the middle order.
The return of Hardik Pandya’s all-round ability and the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will give India the edge. In spin, it’s a battle between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy for the final XI spot.
India have been dominant since their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, winning 17 of their 20 matches, and arrive as favourites despite the long break.
🇦🇪 UAE banking on Wasim and Asif
For UAE, the focus will be on skipper Muhammad Waseem, their most prolific T20I batter and a six-hitting machine. Alongside him, Asif Khan adds middle-order firepower, while the bowling will revolve around Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah.
UAE recently impressed with a 2-1 T20I series win over Bangladesh, showcasing their growth through the ILT20 platform. Against India, they will hope to cause an upset, with home support firmly behind them.
📊 Did you know?
- This is only the second T20I meeting between India and UAE. The first was in 2016, where India chased down 81 in just 10.1 overs.
- India have won six of their 10 T20Is in the UAE, including wins over Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
- UAE’s Muhammad Waseem has already scored three T20I hundreds, the most for his country.
🗣️ Captains Speak
- Suryakumar Yadav (India captain): “We are playing T20 as a team after a long time. But we’ve had good preparation and are looking forward to this tournament.”
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE captain): “We have been preparing for months to play such a great event. I’m confident we are ready to accept this challenge.”
