Ind vs UAE: Suryakumar Yadav’s India launch title defense, UAE hope for a surprise at home
India will take on the United Arab Emirates in their opening Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. The game begins at 8:00 PM IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which along with Abu Dhabi is hosting all matches of the tournament.
As defending champions, India will aim for a confident start to their campaign. For UAE, the match is an opportunity to test themselves against one of world cricket’s strongest teams.
India’s Probable XI
In Ind vs UAE under captain Suryakumar Yadav, India are expected to field a balanced side:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Sanju Samson (wk) / Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy
The main selection call is between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma for the wicketkeeping role. Reports also suggest Kuldeep Yadav may miss out.
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UAE’s Probable XI
Led by Muhammad Waseem, UAE are likely to line up as follows:
- Muhammad Waseem (c)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Asif Khan
- Ethan D’Souza
- Dhruv Parashar
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Harshit Kaushik
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Matiullah Khan
- Muhammad Farooq
Other options such as Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, and Saghir Khan provide depth.
Pitch and Conditions
The Dubai surface is known for balance. Pacers can exploit early movement, while spinners become effective in the middle overs. Evening dew often makes chasing easier. A first-innings score of 130–150 runs is considered competitive.
Head-to-Head Record
India and UAE so far have only played one T20 international, which India won nine years ago. That match came during the 2016 Asia Cup, where India chased down a modest target inside 11 overs. Today’s game will be their second meeting in this format.
What to Expect
India: Power hitters like Gill and Abhishek at the top, with Bumrah leading a sharp bowling attack.
UAE: Home advantage, disciplined bowling, and leadership from Waseem will be key.
Fans: A lively Dubai crowd and prime-time action promise a spirited contest.
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