As the Asia Cup 2025 gets underway on September 9 in the UAE, defending champions India are gearing up for a blockbuster encounter against the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the tournament on Wednesday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. This high-octane clash marks the opening game for both sides, and with world-class performers on display, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling start to their campaigns. While it’s only the beginning of the tournament, this encounter carries huge significance. Both teams will eye the early momentum heading into their first match of the event.

A win here would not only boost confidence but also strengthen their position in the standings. Team India enters the Asia Cup with a formidable batting line-up, boasting the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya. And their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, poses both pace and spin threats. Notably, India's recent performances in the shortest format have shown signs of resurgence, and they would aim to maintain the momentum as they look to defend the title.

Playing at home, the United Arab Emirates will be banking on familiar conditions. However, they are coming off a terrible loss in the recently concluded T20I tri-series at home that also included Pakistan and Afghanistan. They remained winless throughout the series, losing four games in a row. Nonetheless, the UAE would want to forget their recent loss and start afresh with a positive mindset. Moreover, the showdown against India will be really significant for the UAE to win to set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The UAE claimed their spot in the Asia continental tournament after registering victory in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2024 by overcoming Oman by 55 runs in the final.

Head-to-head

Matches - 1

IND won - 1

UAE won - 0

India probable XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

United Arab Emirates probable XI: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan DSouza, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah