The Asia Cup is back in the cricket calendar, and the excitement is already building for what looks set to be a thrilling competition. To be kicked off on September 5, the 2025 Asia Cup will run for 17 days, and the final is likely to be played on September 21. Although India is hosting, the matches are actually going to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a neutral venue chosen to allow easy participation for all teams, given India and Pakistan are taking part as well.

One of the most anticipated attractions of the tournament will be the hotly awaited India-Pakistan match, to be held on September 7. With the tournament following the proven group stage and Super Fours format, the spectators could even get a second serving of the high-decibel rivalry on September 14, if both teams qualify.

Six nations will be represented this year: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The promotional campaigns have already begun in full gear, and the official TV broadcaster, Sony, has released posters and teasers to generate the hype. Every nation that is participating is to be given the nod from their governments, leading to another tournament to remember.

ALSO SEE: Asia Cup 2025 Set for September Start: Fans Await Cricket’s Biggest Rivalry Match India vs Pakistan

Future Hosts and Formats of the Asia Cup

This edition will also be a curtain-raiser to the Women's ODI World Cup towards the end of the year in India and Sri Lanka. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has mapped a clear future roadmap for upcoming editions of the tournament, changing formats, and host duties between Asian giants:

• 2027 – Bangladesh (Format: ODI)
• 2029 – Pakistan (Format: T20I)
• 2031 – Sri Lanka (Format: ODI)

The alternate structures ensure the Asia Cup remains aligned with the international events of the ICC while giving all top cricket nations a level playing field to host. With fierce competition, shifting venues, and a long-term vision, the Asia Cup continues to be the foundation of Asian cricket, uniting the continent by way of fierce rivalry and dramatic moments.

According to early reports, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is set for September 7, and the Asia Cup 2025 is anticipated to begin on September 5. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the competition, and September 21 is most likely when the final takes place. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has nearly finalised a 17-day tournament window, and all six participating countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates, are getting ready to send their teams.

Despite earlier doubts due to political tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the tournament is set to go ahead. Government clearances from all involved countries are reportedly in the final stages. Hosting rights remain with India, but the tournament will be played in the UAE due to neutral venue considerations.

Asia Cup 2025 to Begin in UAE, India vs Pakistan on September 7

The Asia Cup 2025 will follow the T20I format, keeping in line with the calendar ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament will follow a group stage and Super Fours format, guaranteeing at least one India vs Pakistan clash and potentially another if both qualify for the Super Four round. The second meeting could happen on September 14.

THE LIKELY SCHEDULE OF ASIA CUP 2025: 📢 (Sports Tak).

Starts - 4 or 5th September.
Final - 21st September.
Venue - In UAE.
India Vs Pakistan - 7th September. pic.twitter.com/t2chgzF63n

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 2, 2025

ALSO SEE: India set to ring in big changes for 2nd Test vs England: Reddy, Sundar, Akash in line

In recent days, promotional campaigns have begun, with official broadcaster Sony Sports Network releasing the first teaser posters. A late-night selection meeting involving Shubman Gill, Ajit Agarkar, and Gautam Gambhir was also spotted at the ground, possibly finalising early plans for the Indian squad.

This edition of the Asia Cup is critical not just for cricketing reasons but also for the reassurance it provides stakeholders after months of uncertainty. With major events like the Women’s ODI World Cup also scheduled for later this year, the Asia Cup will set the tone for a busy international calendar.

For cricket fans, especially in India and Pakistan, the resumption of this iconic rivalry on September 7 promises to be one of the year’s biggest sporting spectacles.

The 2025 Asia Cup, originally scheduled to take place in India, is on the brink of being shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September this year, according to several sources known with the matter. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is said to make a final decision soon, with all signs suggesting the UAE as the alternative venue.

The move, necessitated mainly by unabating geopolitical rivalries between India and Pakistan, would follow similar precedents in which neutral sites have been selected to facilitate the smooth holding of matches between the two countries. Though India will technically continue to be the host on paper, the tournament stands a very strong chance of being hosted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, all of which have a storied history of international cricket hosting.

According to a three-year deal between the boards of India and Pakistan, games featuring the two great foes are to be hosted at neutral sites. The UAE, which successfully held the T20 World Cup in 2021 and earlier Asia Cups, presents a politically neutral and logistically viable choice for the high-profile tournament.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Indian team shares light moments during catching practice ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup Will Give Boost to UAE's Cricket Calendar

To be played in the T20 format, the 2025 Asia Cup will serve as a key build-up tournament for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The tournament will consist of eight teams and a total of 19 matches to be played in two weeks. While Sri Lanka was once tentatively discussed as a potential alternative hosting option, the UAE's more advanced infrastructure, experience, and climate conditions in September also seem to have swung the decision its way.

Along with the congested Emirates cricket calendar, sources have also suggested that a three-nation T20I series between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is on the cards. The series would replace the initially planned bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing all three teams with good game practice before the Asia Cup. A formal announcement by the ACC is imminent, but for the moment, all indications are that once again, a high-profile tournament will find a temporary home in the desert dunes of the UAE.

In a major setback for regional cricket, India has apparently decided against participating in the 2025 Men's Asia Cup, putting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finances under tremendous pressure. If true, the decision can potentially cost the PCB as much as ₹220 crore, with the impact likely to be felt by broadcasters, sponsors, and surrounding cricket boards too.

As per various Indian media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially notified the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its choice, quoting increasing political tensions and protesting against Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the PCB, heading the ACC. This increase is a fresh low in India-Pakistan cricket relations. Though the two teams haven't played a bilateral series for more than a decade, India's possible boycott of a multi-country tournament is being interpreted as an unprecedented move.

India's withdrawal can cost PCB dearly, jeopardizing Asia Cup revenues and future ambitions

The money at stake is enormous. Indian participation in ACC and ICC competitions generates an estimated ₹165–220 crore ($20–26 million) for each cycle for the PCB. Most of this comes from India-Pakistan matches, cricket's most-viewed encounters, generating record broadcast rights and advertising premiums. The Asia Cup broadcast rights, which were sold to Sony Pictures Networks India for a record $170 million for the 2024–2032 cycle, might now be negotiable. Without India participating, the tournament's sheen and its financial worth could plummet.

ALSO SEE: Ben Stokes shocks fans with unexpected decission ahead of India-England Test series and The Ashes

Every full member of the ACC is now entitled to 15% of the broadcast revenue from the tournament. A declining pool of revenue would affect Pakistan most, particularly in the wake of the financial beating suffered from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB had spent more than PKR 14 billion to enhance stadiums for the Champions Trophy, anticipating a big return. But India's refusal to tour Pakistan meant that the final had to be moved to Dubai. The outcome? Out-of-pocket losses of more than PKR 7 billion, with PCB now running on an overdraft of PKR 3–6 billion. While the board insists it made a PKR 3 billion profit from the event and claims fee cuts were part of a planned restructuring, it has begun trimming player match fees and domestic cricket budgets. Payment delays to players and officials have also raised eyebrows.

India’s absence puts the Asia Cup at risk, leaving regional teams and sponsors in uncertainty

India's withdrawal would also affect Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which depend on Indian audiences for sponsorships and advertising revenue. Without India, the viability of the Asia Cup is in jeopardy. Broadcasters and sponsors might withdraw, and the women's event might meet the same fate. India has reportedly also withdrawn from the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in June in Sri Lanka.

Beyond balance sheets, India’s absence would reduce global exposure for Pakistani players, limit sponsorship interest, and dent PCB’s digital reach, which is heavily dependent on Indian viewership. A BCCI official was quoted as saying, “The Indian team can't play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That's the sentiment of the nation.” Politically, the tensions have strained cricket relations previously, most prominently in 2023 when a hybrid model for the Asia Cup was devised following India's refusal to compete in Pakistan. However, an outright withdrawal from ACC events marks an aggressive posture.

The 2025 Men's Asia Cup, scheduled in T20 format as a lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, hangs in the balance with this most recent standoff potentially having the tournament canceled or severely diluted. Until then, cricketing fraternity waits for confirmation. But if India stands its ground, the future of PCB and Asian cricket on the whole looks bleak on and off the cricket field.

Cricket, a game with a worldwide fan base, is enjoyed through a range of tournaments that enthrall audiences across formats. From the traditional Ashes to the contemporary T20 extravaganzas, these tournaments present the best of the sport. Here's a glimpse of the world's top 10 most popular cricket tournaments, ranked according to their stature, viewership, and cultural influence.

1. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (50-over): 

The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Since its inception in 1975, the tournament has become a global sporting spectacle, drawing massive audiences across the world. The 2023 edition further cemented its legendary status, with Australia emerging as champions. This edition attracted over a billion viewers, highlighting the tournament’s immense popularity and cultural impact. With intense competition, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments, the World Cup remains cricket’s most iconic and prestigious event on the international stage.

2. The Ashes (Test Series): 

The Ashes was a name given to the Test cricket series played between England and Australia, two of cricket's biggest rivals, with an illustrious and historical history dating back to 1882. The Ashes is a traditional series with fierce rivalries between England and Australia, with an interesting history. Test matches make for some of the best rivalries in sport, and The Ashes is full of twists and turns, tells tales of intense encounters, contains many memorable moments, and brings out passionate fans across the world. With a colourful history and high stakes, The Ashes series is loved by experts and fans, representing the highest level of Test cricket and the intense rivalry between two of cricket's greatest nations.

3. Indian Premier League (IPL): 

Since its start dates back in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has developed into a global T20 behemoth by combining the finest international players with
India's best. Famously nicknamed the league of 'T20 cricket with Bollywood,' the IPL is known for its fast-paced matches and thick crowd following, where it has included a significant portion of financial success in the world of sports. The 2025 season, which resumed play on May 17 after its brief pause, is not just pulling the biggest numbers in viewership but pulling millions of people on the ground and online to witness the grand showcase. The IPL is unique in the sense that it combines a mix of fun and top-tier cricket that cannot be replicated within the breadth of global cricketing sensations.

See Also: IPL 2025: Qualification Scenario for Gujarat Titans (GT)

4. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Test Series):

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which takes place every two years between India and Australia, is one of the fiercest rivalries in Test cricket. This name connects to legends Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border, and has created a strong fan following due to the fierce competition, outstanding cricket, and contributions to the World Test Championship standings. This series has had its share of outstanding Test matches and notable moments, and draws large audiences and prestige. It demonstrates the strength, passion, and resilience of two of the strongest teams in world cricket.

5. ICC Men's T20 World Cup:

First held in 2007, this biennial cricket event has rapidly grown into a global spectacle. Known for its fast-paced, thrilling matches, it appeals especially to younger audiences who enjoy the excitement of the shorter format. The 2024 edition, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, saw record-breaking attendance and massive viewership, cementing its place as one of cricket’s most popular tournaments. With each passing edition, it continues to gain momentum, showcasing explosive talent and high-stakes drama that captivates fans across the world.

6. ICC Women's Cricket World Cup:

Held every four years, the Women’s 50-over World Cup has steadily grown in stature, showcasing the finest talent in women’s cricket. Featuring top international players, the tournament has become a major event on the global sporting calendar. The 2022 edition in New Zealand highlighted the rising popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket, drawing significant viewership and media attention. As more nations invest in developing their women’s teams, the tournament continues to deliver thrilling contests and inspiring performances, further elevating the profile of women’s cricket on the world stage.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar's emotional urge to BCCI after tragic Pahalgam attack

7. Pakistan Super League (PSL):

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become one of the premier T20 cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2016. The 2025 season, which began on February 16 and concluded on May 25, has entertained fans with stars like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan. With high domestic and international viewership, the PSL has helped rejuvenate interest in cricket in Pakistan, while also highlighting emerging local talent. The league has seen intense competition, high production value, and a loyal following in both Pakistan and abroad.

8. Big Bash League (BBL):

Since its launch in 2011, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has rapidly grown into a major T20 domestic competition. Known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, the BBL offers an exciting platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills on a big stage. The league’s high-energy matches and family-friendly environment attract large crowds and TV audiences every season. By blending top-notch cricket with entertainment, the BBL has become a beloved event in Australia’s sporting calendar, helping to develop future stars while providing thrilling action for fans across the country.

9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL):

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was created in 2013, bringing T20 excitement to the Caribbean. T20 matches enjoyed by star players such as Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell brought international praise and attention quickly to the CPL for the excitement of the matches and the vibrancy of the island and its culture. With the CPL, high-quality cricket is joined with the colourful and vibrant Caribbean people and culture. The region is passionate about cricket, its clubs, and their celebrations are unmatched inside and outside on the streets of their homeland. Additionally, the CPL contains eventful displays of cricket that involve local funding resources and cricketers inside entertaining and vibrant matches, plus the unique experiences of Caribbean islands as a part of the game which nobody else can. The CPL has transitioned to becoming one of the main events on cricket's annual calendar of cricket, celebrates the best local talents, while providing entertaining cricket that represents the soul of the iCaribbean islands.

10. Asia Cup: 

Every two years since 1984, the Asia Cup, a regional giant dominated by India and Pakistan, has been a biennial ODI and T20 competition. The 2025 version promises to be a highlight. This series, covering Test, ODI, and T20 formats, speaks volumes about cricket's expansive popularity and its power to engage one billion-plus people across the globe.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will have a prominent leadership role to play after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per media reports, Naqvi will become the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after the last match of the tournament. The current role is occupied on a caretaker basis by Shammi Silva, SLC president. Naqvi will officially replace him after the forthcoming ACC General Council meeting. 

🚨MOHSIN NAQVI SET TO TAKE ANOTHER KEY ROLE🚨

- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has received another prestigious honor, as he is set to take over as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after the end of Champions Trophy. [Cricket Pakistan] pic.twitter.com/fyOBTEMwxS

— Salman 🇵🇰 (@SalmanAsif2007) March 1, 2025

Apart from leadership change, the meeting would concentrate on formalizing the hosting locations of next month's Asia Cup, due in India in the latter part of the year.

Though the actual venue has yet to be finalized, ACC officials are said to be mulling Sri Lanka and the UAE as possible alternate hosts.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, will continue to be the official host.

ALSO SEE: Australia’s Matthew Short Doubtful for Champions Trophy Semi-Final After Injury

The 2025 Asia Cup will be in T20 format with 19 games, provisionally planned between the second and fourth weeks of September.

Eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, will play. Importantly, Nepal, a developing associate nation from the subcontinent, will miss this edition. The tournament structure guarantees at least two big India-Pakistan matches-one in the group stage and the other in the Super Four stage a possibility of the two sides meeting once again in the final.

The cycle of the ongoing Asia Cup currently extends over four editions until 2031. Bangladesh will, after the tournament in 2025, hold the 2027 edition, which will be in the format of ODIs with 13 matches. Officially hosted by the PCB, the 2029 edition of the tournament with 19 T20 matches will be held at a neutral site. Sri Lanka will host the 2031 edition in ODIs with 13 matches.

There have also been debates regarding the extension of the hybrid model used for the 2023 Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy, both of which were challenged because of India's political position regarding traveling to Pakistan.

Cricket lovers, fasten your seatbelts! The Asia Cup 2025 is all geared up to host scintillating T20 action, with the continent's best teams. Here's what you should know about the tournament.
Tournament Format & Teams
T20 Format: Quick-fire, high-intensity matches.
8 Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.
19 Matches: Lots of exciting matches lined up!

ASIA CUP 2025 UPDATES: [Cricbuzz]

- T20I format.
- 8 teams (IND, PAK, SL, BAN, AFG, Oman, UAE, HK)
- 19 games.
- India vs Pakistan could potentially play 3 times.
- UAE or SL as venues.
- September 2nd week to 4th week pic.twitter.com/bb4BiOFhmX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2025

ALSO SEE: Delhi Capitals Appoint Kevin Pietersen as Mentor for IPL 2025

When & Where?
The tournament will be held in September (2nd to 4th week).
As of now, the venue is not decided but Sri Lanka or UAE are likely to host the event.
India vs Pakistan: A Dream Rivalry!
One of the highlights of this tournament is that India and Pakistan are likely to feature up to three times a group stage once, then the Super Four, and perhaps even once in the final! Cricketing fans could hardly wish for anything more!
Why Is This Asia Cup Important?
This tournament will provide an excellent chance for teams to finalize their squads in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. It will also be a stage for emerging stars to make their presence felt on the global stage.
What's Next?
The official schedule, venues, and fixtures will be announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) soon. Until then, everyone waits with bated breath for this much-awaited tournament, which guarantees edge-of-the-seat action!

We just experienced an India vs Pakistan cricket match during Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India comfortably won with dominating performances in every challenge. While the tournament is still running, another India vs Pakistan cricket match is waiting for this calendar year.

Recently, India have mostly dominated against Pakistan in any format of cricket. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India claimed a six-wicket win against the defending champions Pakistan last Sunday (February 23).

While the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is running in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, which will run till March 9, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eyeing to work on the schedule for the Asia Cup 2025, which will run in a T20I format. 

See Also: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Nightmare: A Tournament to Forget!

Know about the next Asia Cup tournaments

For the ongoing cycle, ending in 2031, we are yet to experience four men's Asia Cup tournaments, two in the T20I formats (2025 and 2029) and two in ODI formats (2027 and 2031). The Asia Cup T20I is set to run with eight teams from 2025, while the remaining Asia Cup ODIs in the ongoing cycle are planned with six teams. The upcoming T20 editions will run with 19 matches each, and the upcoming ODI editions will run with 13 matches each. 

India will be the hosts for the Asia Cup 2025, while Pakistan has the hosting rights for the next T20 Asia Cup in 2029. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will host the next two ODI Asia Cups in 2027 and 2031, respectively. At least for the ongoing cycle, ACC has reportedly decided to follow neutral venues when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have the hosting rights for the tournament. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka has the better chance to host the Asia Cup 2025, under the hosting rights of the BCCI. 

India vs Pakistan match can be played three more times in 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was the first India vs Pakistan match in international cricket in 2025. Although Pakistan are already out of the tournament and India are ready for the Semi-finals in the ongoing ICC tournament, they can meet thrice during the Asia Cup 2025. In the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan are in the same group along with two other qualifiers. If both India and Pakistan qualify, they can face each other in the Super Fours and the Final of the tournament.

The ACC has chosen September for the Asia Cup 2025. According to Cricbuzz news, the Asia Cup 2025 can run between the second and the fourth week of September. 

The young Bangladesh U-19 side conquered yet another milestone in their promising cricketing history this Sunday by beating the tournament favorites India U-19 by 59 runs. The young Tigers prevailed in a low-scoring thriller which had all the viewers on the edge of their seats. 

This is also Bangladesh U-19's second U-19 Asia Cup title win and the young side would be mighty proud of achieving such a monumental feat against a quality India U-19 side. It was a horror show for India this Sunday as not only their young team but also their men's and women's team suffered horrific defeats at the hands of Australians down under.

Bangladesh's road to glory in the Asia Cup Final

After winning the toss, the Indian U-19 skipper inserted Bangladesh U-19 to have a bat first. The India U-19 bowlers made early inroads with the ball as Yudhajit Guha cleaned up Bangladesh opener Kalam Siddiki relatively early for 1. Zawad Abrar offered some resistance with the bat and chipped in with a useful 20 before being removed by Chetan Sharma. 

Further on, Guha's resilience with the ball helped India to assert their authority further as the Bangladeshi skipper Azizul Hakim was removed in the 19th over causing Bangladesh to slip to 66-3. 

Mohammad Shihab James and Rizan Hossan then stitched a 62-run stand for the fourth wicket to add life to the Bangladesh innings, but wickets in quick succession pegged back their hard-earned momentum. The Indian bowlers made a strong comeback during the middle overs which triggered a collapse as Bangladesh went from 128-3 to 167-8 and subsequently got bowled out for 198 thanks to a gutsy 30-run stand between Farid Hasan and Maruf Mridha.

The winning moment for the young Tigers

Bangladesh U19 players bring the dressing room alive after clinching the ACC Men’s Asia Cup trophy | #BCB #Cricket #ACC #ACCMensU19AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/06Phg5gsya

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) December 8, 2024

In response to Bangladesh 198, India U-19 failed to get going in the run chase. Mhatre and the 13-year-old overhyped Vaibhav Suryavanshi perished in the first five overs of the run chase. And soon enough Andre Siddharth became the next Indian victim as India U-19 found themselves precariously placed at 44-3 within 12 overs. 

But it all came down to some destructive bowling from Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim who snapped three wickets each to derail India U-19 off course in this run chase. The duo unleashed their terror on the Indian batters and breached the Indian middle order in no time. Despite facing some resistance from Hardik and Chetan down the order, the game was firmly in their grasp.

Azizul applied the finishing touches by picking up the last Indian wicket to power Bangladesh U-19 to a euphoric 59-run win in Dubai. Emon registered figures of 3-24 in his 7 overs while Azizul recorded 3-8 in just 2.2 overs. 

Despite their men's team not being at their prime best, Bangladesh's youth have a lot of untapped potential. Time and again, their youngsters have shown tremendous promise and grit to excel in major ICC and ACC tournaments. 

Bangladesh U-19 side are the proud title winner of the 2020 U-19 World Cup as well as the 2023 and 2024 Asia Cup editions. With so much talent at their disposal, the senior management in BCB need to have a robust plan in place to nurture such talent and make them battle-ready to compete at the highest level. 

See also: Bangladesh create history in Sabina Park, Register their maiden Test win in the Caribbean since 2009

India A’s all-rounder Ayush Badoni took a brilliant flying catch to dismiss UAE’s Muhammad Jawadullah during the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 match on Monday, October 21. The match, held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground Oman Cricket (Ministry Turf 1), saw a dominant performance from India A, with their bowlers bundling out the UAE for just 107 runs in 16.5 overs.

The United Arab Emirates won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. India A, led by skipper Tilak Varma, was satisfied with the decision, as they had hoped to field first. At the toss, Varma mentioned that India A was prepared to chase a target around 170-180, especially if dew became a factor in the second innings. However, the brilliant bowling display by India A made that unnecessary.

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Rasikh Salam was the standout performer, grabbing three wickets in a devastating spell during the last over of the powerplay. Salam’s pace and precision rattled UAE’s top order, with key dismissals of Nilansh Keswani, Vishnu Sukumaran, and Syed Haider. Other India A bowlers, including Ramandeep Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Abhishek Sharma, provided excellent support, restricting UAE’s total to a meager 107 runs.

Ayush Badoni’s stunning flying catch

The highlight of the innings was Ayush Badoni’s spectacular catch in the 15th over. On the 6th ball of Ramandeep Singh’s over, Muhammad Jawadullah tried to hit a fullish-length delivery toward long-on. Badoni, showcasing his athleticism and fielding skills, sprinted and dived to his right, completing a jaw-dropping flying catch to dismiss Jawadullah for just 1 run.

Badoni’s catch was not only a key moment in the game but also a testament to India A’s exceptional fielding efforts throughout the match. His blinder off Ramandeep Singh’s delivery marked UAE’s 9th wicket and further cemented India A’s dominance in the game.

𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞 🔛

A super catch by Ayush Badoni! 👐@BCCI#MensT20EmergingTeamsAsiaCup2024 #ACC pic.twitter.com/imOQae1Xu6

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 21, 2024

See Also: Watch: Virat & Anushka join Krishna Das Kirtan in Mumbai

Rasikh Salam’s powerplay magic

Rasikh Salam’s three-wicket haul in the powerplay was a crucial factor in India A’s success. Speaking to broadcasters during the mid-innings break, Salam explained his strategy during the last over of the powerplay, knowing that the batters would try to attack him. He shared that the pitch provided ample assistance for the bowlers, which he fully utilized to deliver a match-changing spell. Salam emphasized the importance of giving 100% effort in every game and highlighted India A’s excellent fielding as a key to their success.

With UAE bowled out for 107, India A’s batsmen were poised for a straightforward chase, confident of securing a win with minimal difficulty.