UAE hosts are about to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against defending champions India on Wednesday, 10 September, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Addressing the media prior to the big match, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said his team was confident with their preparations and looking to focus on executing their plans.

The aggressive right-handed opener made it clear that his team is not treating the game against India as a special one. Instead, he feels that every match in the tournament holds equal value since all teams are strong. Waseem emphasized that his side’s approach will revolve around sticking to what they have practiced, regardless of the opposition.

“We will not take it as a big match because all the teams are good in front of you, so all the matches will be the same. We are working hard in the heat, and we will only follow our plan. Whatever we have learned and whatever we need to do on that day, we will do it. Rest, the result is up to the game,” Waseem told India Today.

“We Will Not Give In to Their Strength”

Waseem explained that the UAE batters will respect India’s main wicket-taking bowler while targeting the rest of the attack. He revealed that the team has prepared collective plans for the Indian lineup rather than focusing on individuals, with spinners likely to play a bigger role if conditions demand.

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“No, we have not made any individual plan for any particular player. We have created a plan for 6-7 batters for the whole team. We will not give in to their strength. We will play carefully with their wicket-taker bowler, and whoever we can charge, we have made such a plan. If the unit is more, the role of the spinners can increase,” he said. Waseem added that the UAE’s familiarity with home conditions could give them an edge, stating, “We play a lot of cricket here… it is our home. So we will try our best to take advantage of it and play good cricket.”