The excitement of the Asia Cup 2025 reaches new heights as India faces UAE in their opening Group A clash tonight. Scheduled at 8:00 PM IST (toss at 7:30 PM IST), the match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, one of the most iconic venues in world cricket.

Why This Match Matters

India enters the tournament as the defending T20 World Cup champion, carrying the weight of expectations from millions of fans. The team’s preparation has already generated buzz—during practice, Abhishek Sharma stunned everyone by smashing 30 sixes, a display of power that reflects India’s aggressive intent.

For UAE, this is a golden chance to test their skills against one of the strongest cricketing nations. Playing in front of a passionate crowd in Dubai, they will look to use home advantage to challenge the mighty Indians.

What to Expect

Explosive Batting: With India’s top order in form, fans can anticipate a run-fest.

UAE’s Spirit: Expect the UAE bowlers to put up a spirited fight, aiming to make a mark in a tournament that could redefine their cricketing journey.

Lessons for Aspirants: Just as players prepare tirelessly for this moment, exam aspirants can draw inspiration—consistent practice leads to match-day confidence.

Match Specifics & Broadcast Details

Match Date & Time: India faces the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, 10 September 2025. The toss is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, followed by the first ball at 8:00 PM IST, all hosted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Broadcast & Streaming: Viewers in India can catch live action on Sony Sports Network and stream it via SonyLIV. International fans can also tune in through YuppTV.

India’s Team Setup & Strategy

Probable Playing XI:

Openers: Shubman Gill (VC) and Abhishek Sharma

Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya

Wicketkeeper: Jitesh Sharma

All-rounders & Bowlers: Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

Squad Highlights:

India’s 15-member squad excludes Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, while including T20 stalwarts like Gill and Bumrah. Shubman Gill’s return to the T20 squad and appointment as vice-captain reflects the team’s leadership planning.

Tactical Outlook:

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir aims to balance the side with depth up to No. 8, weaving in all-rounders for versatility. The decision to include three openers (Gill, Sharma, Samson) meant tough calls—eventually favoring Gill and Sharma based on utility and form.

UAE: Rising Contenders with Familiar Ties

Playing XI (Probable): Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (WK), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Farooq, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah—featuring six players of Indian origin, such as Harshit Kaushik, Simranjeet Singh, Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, and Rahul Chopra.

An emotional subplot enriches this contest: Simranjeet Singh, now playing for the UAE, once bowled to India’s Vice-Captain Shubman Gill during their childhood in Punjab—adding warmth to this high-stakes face-off.

Head-to-Head & Venue Trends

Historical Matchup: India and UAE have only met once in T20I cricket—at the 2016 Asia Cup—where India emerged victorious.

Dubai Track Record: India holds a balanced record in Dubai with 5 wins and 4 losses in 9 T20Is played there. UAE, though less experienced, has played 13 matches with just 3 wins.