DUBAI: India will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign tonight in Dubai, facing the host nation United Arab Emirates in their first group stage clash.
The much-anticipated encounter will be played at Dubai International Stadium at 7:30pm (Pakistani time).
As reigning T20 world champions, the Men in Blue are entering the tournament as firm favourites to lift the trophy again.
A key highlight for India is the return of Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Gill has been in prolific form, having scored 650 runs in the recent IPL season at a strike rate of 155.87. His
batting will be closely watched as India look to establish early dominance in the competition.
On the other side, UAE are guided by head coach Lalchand Rajput, an Indian-born strategist who famously played a role in India’s victory at the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Rajput now faces the challenge of preparing his side against the strongest team in the tournament.
The Emirati side enter the competition after a difficult run of results, having lost to Afghanistan and Pakistan in a recent tri-series, and earlier suffering defeat at the hands of Uganda. Tonight, their bowlers will look to put up a stronger fight, with spinner Samranjeet Singh expected to test Gill on a lively Dubai pitch.
Conditions in Dubai are expected to favour both pace and spin bowlers, while the city’s intense heat and humidity will test the physical fitness of both squads.
Historically, India and UAE have met only once before in T20 internationals, when India secured a nine-wicket victory during the 2016 Asia Cup. Since the last T20 World Cup, India have been dominant, claiming 24 wins while losing only three matches.
