India vs United Arab Emirates – Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview (10 September 2025)

Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Time: 15:30 GMT / 20:30 IST
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Format: T20I
Tournament: Asia Cup 2025 – Group A

Match Overview

India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to clash in a high-stakes Group A encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 on 10 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This marks the first time Dubai will host the Asia Cup, and it promises to be a thrilling contest between a dominant India squad and an ambitious UAE side eager to make a mark.

India, led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, arrives in Dubai after a series of commanding performances in the T20I format. Their recent 4-1 win over England in 2025 showcases their depth and firepower. Meanwhile, the UAE, captained by the explosive Muhammad Waseem, are looking to build on their 2025 draw with Bangladesh and make a statement against one of the world’s top teams.

India: The Favourites

India’s current form is formidable. With a win percentage of 80 in 2025 (4 wins from 5 matches), they are the clear favorites in this encounter. The team is in great rhythm, with a balanced squad featuring a mix of explosive batsmen, experienced all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack.

Key Players to Watch:

• Abhishek Sharma: A left-handed opener with a T20I strike rate of 219 (279 runs in 5 matches, average 55.80).
• Tilak Varma: A rising star with an average of 44.3 and a strike rate of 131.68 in his last five innings.
• Varun Chakravarthy: The spin ace with 14 wickets at an average of 9.86 in 5 games.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Making a welcome return to the T20I scene, his yorkers and variations will be crucial.

India’s middle order is packed with power hitters, and the bowling unit, led by Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, is one of the most lethal in world cricket.

United Arab Emirates: The Underdogs

The UAE, while traditionally a lower-tier T20I side, have shown improvement over the years. They drew a series with Bangladesh in 2025 and are coming into this match with renewed confidence. However, their recent results against top-tier teams like Pakistan and in the T20I tri-series have been poor.

Key Players to Watch:

• Muhammad Waseem: The backbone of the UAE batting order, with 398 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 156.69.
• Asif Khan: A rising talent with a strike rate of 170.95 in 5 innings.
• Haider Ali: A wicket-taking machine with 19 wickets at an average of 14.58 in 12 matches.

However, the UAE’s middle order lacks depth and experience, and their death bowling remains a concern. If they can capitalize on early wickets, they might still compete against India.

Venue Insights: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a familiar venue for many players, is known for its consistent and slightly slower pitch, which favors spinners. The average first-innings score here is 157.67 (2025 data), with fast bowlers averaging 27.96 and spinners 24.89.

Given the conditions, a total of 170-180 could be par, and the toss could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner (Prediction): United Arab Emirates
• Match Winner (Prediction): India
• Top Batter (Runs): Tilak Varma (India), Muhammad Waseem (UAE)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Varun Chakravarthy (India), Haider Ali (UAE)
• Most Sixes: Abhishek Sharma (India), Muhammad Waseem (UAE)
• Player of the Match (Prediction): Varun Chakravarthy (India)

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• India: 1 win
• UAE: 0 wins

India's only previous encounter with the UAE in the Asia Cup was in 2016, which they won comfortably. However, the UAE will be looking to rewrite the script in 2025.

Final Verdict

While India are the clear favorites, the UAE will be coming into this match with a point to prove. With Muhammad Waseem in scintillating form and a potentially tricky spin-friendly pitch, the UAE could create an upset. That said, India’s depth and quality give them a strong edge. A score of 180+ for India and 140+ for the UAE are expected, with India likely to clinch the match by a margin of 8-10 runs.

Stay tuned for live updates and commentary as India and UAE battle it out in what promises to be an exciting Asia Cup opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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