DUBAI: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second match of the Asia Cup 2025, played at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
The high-profile Group A fixture marks Dubai’s first-ever hosting of an Asia Cup match, setting the stage for a vibrant evening of cricket.
Pitch and Conditions
Unlike the spin-friendly surfaces seen during the ODI Champions Trophy earlier this year, Dubai’s pitches for the Asia Cup are expected to be fresher and more lively, likely favouring balanced attacks with two frontline pacers.
However, the intense heat in the UAE could be a major factor, testing player fitness and stamina throughout the tournament.
This encounter is only the second-ever T20 International between India and the UAE.
The two sides last faced off in March 2016 during the Asia Cup in Mirpur, where India comfortably chased down the UAE’s modest total of 81 runs, securing a 9-wicket victory in just 10.1 overs, one of their most dominant wins in the format.
Fast forward to 2025, and while India still enters as strong favourites, the UAE’s recent displays of promise suggest the possibility of a more competitive outing this time around.
India’s Return to T20I
India’s last T20I series came seven months ago, when they defeated England 4-1 at home in February. Since then, the focus has shifted to domestic competitions like the IPL, but Wednesday’s fixture brings the Men in Blue back to the international T20 stage, where the pressure and stakes are of a different calibre altogether.
Suryakumar Yadav leads a side rich in both youthful exuberance and seasoned quality. His deputy, Shubman Gill, is expected to open the batting, having impressed during the English summer with his elegant stroke play.
The second opener’s slot remains undecided, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma both in the mix, though Sharma is reportedly the frontrunner based on current form.
The middle order features a mix of big hitters and adaptable stroke-makers, while Hardik Pandya steps into a pivotal role as the senior all-rounder, especially with Ravindra Jadeja no longer part of India’s T20I setup.
Bumrah’s Return
In the bowling department, the spotlight will be on Jasprit Bumrah, who returns to T20Is after his memorable performance in the 2024 World Cup final.
His partner in pace, Arshdeep Singh, offers quiet consistency, often excelling in both the powerplay and death overs.
Spin will play a crucial role on Dubai’s dual-nature surfaces, which can vary from lively early bounce to slow, turning tracks later in the game.
Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin charge, supported potentially by Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy, both well-versed in exploiting such conditions.
UAE Look to Upset the Odds
Led by Muhammad Waseem, the UAE squad may lack international experience but is brimming with young talent.
Waseem remains the key figure in their batting lineup, but the middle order’s inexperience could prove costly under pressure.
Death bowling has also been a concern for the UAE, particularly with pacers Muhammad Jawadullah and Junaid Siddique, who will need to elevate their execution in crunch moments if the hosts are to mount a serious challenge.
Despite their underdog status, the UAE showed glimpses of potential in the recent tri-series in Sharjah, and a packed home crowd in Dubai could provide just the spark they need.
With India looking to start strong in their Asia Cup campaign and the UAE hoping to pull off an upset, the stage is set for a thrilling Group A opener.
While India remains the clear favourite, T20 cricket is no stranger to surprises, and the hosts will be eager to script one of their own.
India Playing XI
1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Harshit Rana, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Varun Chakravarthy
UAE Playing XI
1 Muhammad Waseem (capt), 2 Alishan Sharafu, 3 Rahul Chopra (wk), 4 Asif Khan, 5 Muhammad Farooq, 6 Harshit Kaushik, 7 Muhammad Zohaib, 8 Muhammad Jawadullah/Saghir Khan, 9 Haider Ali, 10 Junaid Siddique, 11 Muhammad Rohid
