India vs UAE Match Preview: Team India will face UAE in Asia Cup, from playing XI to pitch report... know everything here

Asia Cup 2025: India vs UAE Preview – Probable XIs, Pitch and Weather Report from Dubai

The stage is set for the return of high-voltage T20 action as the Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9. After the thrilling ICC T20 World Cup in June 2024, fans have been eagerly waiting for another major international showdown. Hosted by India but played in the United Arab Emirates, this edition promises excitement, drama, and top-quality cricket with eight participating teams, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.

For Team India, the campaign officially kicks off on September 10, when they face the hosts UAE at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. Having a dominant history in the Asia Cup, India will aim to start strong and secure a convincing win in their opening fixture.

Head-to-Head: India vs UAE

Interestingly, India and the UAE have clashed only once before in T20 internationals. That encounter came during the 2016 Asia Cup, where India cruised to victory by nine wickets.

Since then, UAE has quietly grown into a competitive side. After the last T20 World Cup, they have played 27 T20 internationals, winning 20 of them—a remarkable record for an emerging cricket nation. What makes this even more significant is that most of their victories have come in multi-nation tournaments, underlining their ability to handle pressure situations.

India’s Probable Playing XI

India is likely to field a strong, balanced unit blending youth with experience. The expected XI includes:

• Abhishek Sharma

• Shubman Gill

• Tilak Varma

• Sanju Samson (wk)

• Suryakumar Yadav (c)

• Hardik Pandya

• Rinku Singh

• Axar Patel

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Arshdeep Singh

This line-up provides India with explosive batting depth, reliable finishers, and a varied bowling attack led by Bumrah’s pace and Kuldeep’s spin.

UAE’s Probable Playing XI

The hosts will look to challenge the Indian giants with a spirited side led by Muhammad Waseem. Their likely XI features:

• Muhammad Waseem (c)

• Muhammad Zohaib

• Alishan Sharafu

• Rahul Chopra (wk)

• Asif Khan

• Dhruv Parashar

• Haider Ali

• Matiullah Khan

• Sagheer Khan

• Akif Raja

• Ethan D’Souza

With several young players eager to make their mark, UAE will rely on their aggressive batting approach and disciplined seam attack to create an upset.

Pitch and Conditions at Dubai International Stadium

The Dubai International Stadium has traditionally offered a fair balance between bat and ball. Both pacers and spinners find opportunities here, with spinners often turning the tide in the middle overs.

• Average T20 score: Around 144

• Wickets taken by pacers: 64%

• Winning record while batting first: 40%

• Winning record while chasing: 59%

Given these stats, teams might prefer bowling first under lights to take advantage of the chasing trend.

Weather Outlook

Fans need not worry about weather interruptions. The forecast for September 10 suggests clear skies with no chance of rain. However, conditions will be hot, with temperatures likely to touch 35°C and humidity hovering around 65%, which could test the players’ endurance.

What to Expect

India enters the contest as overwhelming favorites, but the UAE cannot be taken lightly. Their recent consistency in multi-nation tournaments highlights their potential to spring surprises. For India, this match offers an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations ahead of tougher challenges in the tournament.

With crowd support expected to be strong for both sides, fans can anticipate an electric atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium. All eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India’s new-look batting order, and whether UAE can rise to the occasion on home soil.

As the Asia Cup 2025 unfolds, this clash will set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed tournament.