Asia Cup 2025: India vs UAE Playing XI and Match Preview for September 10

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off with a high-stakes encounter as India faces the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening Group A league match today, September 10, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This breaking news update brings the latest insights into the anticipated playing XI for both teams, with India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aiming to start their campaign for a record ninth Asia Cup title with a commanding win. The UAE, buoyed by home support and T10 league experience, is poised to challenge the defending champions in this T20 clash starting at 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM IST). Fans are eagerly awaiting a thrilling contest in this fast-paced T20 format, with India’s young squad and UAE’s local talent set to light up the pitch.

The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, features eight teams divided into two groups, with India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A, and Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong in Group B. Following Afghanistan’s dominant 94-run victory over Hong Kong in the tournament opener yesterday, all eyes are on India to set the tone for their campaign. With a blend of explosive batsmen like Abhishek Sharma and seasoned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, India’s squad is packed with talent. Meanwhile, the UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, brings local expertise and a fighting spirit to this exciting matchup.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for UAE Clash

India, under the dynamic leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, is expected to field a balanced playing XI that combines aggressive batting with a versatile bowling attack. The team’s selection has been a topic of intense discussion, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. According to recent reports, India’s probable lineup includes a mix of young stars and experienced campaigners, with Tamil Nadu players like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav likely to play pivotal roles in the bowling department. Here’s a detailed look at India’s predicted XI for the match against UAE:

Opening the innings, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to provide a fiery start. Abhishek, known for his fearless strokeplay, has a T20I strike rate of 193.85, making him a dangerous powerplay batter. Shubman Gill, the vice-captain, brings stability and aggression, having returned to the T20I squad after a stellar performance in domestic leagues. The middle order is likely to feature Tilak Varma at No. 3, whose ability to anchor and accelerate makes him a key asset. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his 360-degree batting, will hold the No. 4 spot, followed by all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, who add depth to both batting and bowling.

Jitesh Sharma is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves, replacing Sanju Samson due to the team’s preference for a finisher at No. 7. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, whose pace and variations are critical in T20s. Arshdeep Singh, another Tamil Nadu star, will complement Bumrah with his swing bowling, while spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to exploit the spin-friendly Dubai pitch. This lineup reflects India’s strategy to dominate with a deep batting order and a varied bowling attack, tailored to the conditions in Dubai.

UAE’s Predicted Playing XI and Strengths

The UAE, led by captain Muhammad Waseem, is set to field a competitive XI, leveraging their familiarity with local conditions and experience in short-format tournaments like the T10 league. The team earned their Asia Cup spot through a dominant performance in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2024, with Waseem’s explosive batting earning him the Player of the Series award. The UAE squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, several of whom have Indian origins, adding an intriguing narrative to the matchup.

The UAE’s probable XI includes openers Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, who are expected to set a solid foundation. Waseem, with 82 runs off 42 balls against Bangladesh earlier this year, is a proven match-winner. Asif Khan, likely to bat at No. 3, will aim to tackle India’s spinners in the middle overs, supported by all-rounder Dhruv Parashar. Wicketkeeper Aryansh Sharma adds stability, while bowlers like Haider Ali, Muhammad Jawadullah, and Junaid Siddique will lead the pace attack. Spinners Simranjeet Singh and Muhammad Farooq are expected to exploit the Dubai pitch’s turn, posing a challenge to India’s batsmen.

Key Players to Watch

For India, Suryakumar Yadav’s innovative batting and leadership will be crucial, especially in navigating the UAE’s bowling attack. His ability to play unorthodox shots could unsettle the opposition’s plans. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to T20Is after a rest period, is expected to lead the bowling with his pinpoint yorkers and variations. Varun Chakravarthy, known for his mystery spin, could be a game-changer on the Dubai pitch, where spinners often dominate. Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive approach in the powerplay will also be a focal point for fans.

For the UAE, Muhammad Waseem’s explosive batting will be key to setting or chasing a competitive total. His experience in high-pressure T10 matches makes him a threat. Asif Khan’s ability to handle spin in the middle overs will be critical, while bowlers like Junaid Siddique and Simranjeet Singh will aim to restrict India’s scoring. The UAE’s familiarity with the Dubai pitch gives them a slight edge in adapting to the conditions, making them a potential upset candidate.

Pitch and Conditions at Dubai International Stadium

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced T20 pitch, which offers early assistance to batsmen but slows down as the game progresses, favoring spinners. A score of 160–170 is considered competitive, with teams batting first often aiming to set a challenging total. The grassy pitch may provide some movement for pacers like Bumrah and Arshdeep, but spinners like Chakravarthy and Kuldeep are likely to dominate the middle overs. With evening dew expected, captains may prefer to chase, making the toss a crucial factor.

Weather conditions in Dubai are expected to be clear, with temperatures around 32–34°C and high humidity levels of 70–80%. These conditions could test players’ endurance, particularly during fielding. India’s familiarity with similar conditions in the IPL should help them adapt, but the UAE’s home advantage cannot be underestimated. The match’s evening timing at 7:00 PM local time ensures cooler conditions, enhancing the fan experience both at the stadium and on live broadcasts.

Recent Form and Tournament Context

India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the world’s top-ranked T20 team, having won the 2023 ODI-format Asia Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Their squad, coached by Gautam Gambhir, blends youth and experience, with players like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma stepping up in recent T20Is. The absence of veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is, places added responsibility on younger players to deliver. India’s previous T20I encounter with the UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup resulted in a comfortable win, setting a positive precedent for today’s match.

The UAE, while underdogs, have shown promise in recent performances, particularly in the ACC Premier Cup. Their ability to restrict runs in the powerplay and middle overs, as seen in a tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, makes them a formidable opponent. With six players of Indian origin, including Harshit Kaushik and Simranjeet Singh, the UAE squad brings a unique dynamic to the contest, aiming to challenge India’s dominance and create an upset on home soil.

Broadcast and Viewing Details

The India vs UAE match will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network, with streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website. In the UAE, fans can watch on CricLife and CricLife MAX via eLife TV and Switch TV, with online streaming on StarzPlay. The match starts at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time), ensuring prime-time viewing for cricket enthusiasts. Social media platforms like the Asian Cricket Council’s official accounts on Instagram and Facebook will provide real-time updates and highlights, keeping fans engaged throughout the game.

The Asia Cup 2025, running from September 9 to 28, is a crucial preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With India favored to dominate Group A, their performance against the UAE will set the tone for their upcoming high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14. The UAE, meanwhile, aims to make a statement by challenging one of cricket’s powerhouses, leveraging their home advantage and passionate crowd support.