Pakistan defeated United Arab Emirates in Match 10 of the Asia Cup 2025, sealing a 41-run victory to move into the Super Four. Batting first, Pakistan were reduced to 89/6 but Fakhar Zaman’s steady 50 provided stability before Shaheen Afridi’s blistering 29 off 14 balls* lifted them to a respectable 146/9. The United Arab Emirates’ bowlers, spearheaded by Junaid Siddique (4/27) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26), were able to restrict Pakistan to below 150 runs. UAE’s chase, however, got off to a rocky start as they quickly fell to 37/3 in powerplay overs, with their top order undone by firm Pakistani pace and spin. Although the middle order fought briefly, they fell to pressure and were bowled out for 105 runs in 17.3 overs. Below are the main reasons for the United Arab Emirates defeat:

1. Pakistan’s batting recovery backed by Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi

Despite early pressure, Fakhar Zaman’s 50 anchored Pakistan’s recovery, while Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 off 14* in the death overs lifted them to a defendable 146/9.

2. Early UAE top-order collapse under raw pace

Chasing 147, UAE lost 3 key wickets within the first six overs, including Sharafu and Waseem, to Pakistan’s bowling brilliance from Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, restricting them to 37/3 and derailing the chase early.

See Also: WATCH: 6,6... Shaheen Afridi's last over assault during PAK vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match

3. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling throughout the innings

The bowlers from Pakistan applied control in all phases of play, with Shaheen striking early and spinners like Abrar Ahmed being good in the middle. Their consistency and accuracy meant that the UAE was never able to find any sort of rhythm in the chase.

India cruised to a thumping victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025. After choosing to bowl first, India’s spinners and all-rounders ran through the opposition batting line-up, getting them for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was spectacular, taking 3 wickets in one over, while Shivam Dube added vital breakthroughs. With such a small target, India’s top order collapsed the game into 4.3 overs, with a nine-wicket victory. Below are the main reasons for the United Arab Emirates' defeat:

1. India’s ruthless spin attack bowled UAE out for 57

India used Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube to great effect: Kuldeep claimed 4 wickets for 7 runs (3 wickets in a single over), and Dube claimed 3, with help from Axar Patel, Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Together, they reduced UAE to 57 all out.

2. UAE batting lacked substance beyond a brief opening stand

A small opening partnership of only 26-30 runs between Muhammad Waseem & Alishan Sharafu did provide a tiny glimmer of hope, but it was lost very quickly by India's bowlers, and none of the UAE batters showed any resistance. The batsmen collapsed under very aggressive, disciplined bowling.

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3. India’s lightning-fast chase sealed the one-sided contest

India only needed 4.3 overs to chase down the target and win the match by nine wickets. Abhishek Sharma (30* off 16) and Shubman Gill (who early on helped the chase) made quick work of the small target and showed the gap of experience between the teams.

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup for the defending champions, India, has already started on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium through the fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the opening day, Afghanistan, locking horns with Hong Kong China, had already earned a 94-run victory in Abu Dhabi as the rest wait for their chance.

The mouth-watering clash of the event will be on September 14 at the same venue against Pakistan. The last clash for the Blue Brigade in the group stage will be on September 19 against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. If they win and earn points, they can comfortably progress to the Super Four stage of the competition.

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The Sony Sports Network is telecasting India’s clash against the UAE in Dubai on television, while the Sony LIV app is streaming the encounter. For the latest news and updates on the clash, the advice is to keep an eye on the website and its Telegram Channel. Meanwhile, it’s a huge stage for all teams to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Asia Cup 2025: Where to watch IND vs UAE for free on Mobile?

In Dubai, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss to end their 15-toss losing streak and decided to bowl first on a surface that hasn’t held a game for a long time. As they wanted to get the help of the surface, the management went with Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batter in the middle order. They surprisingly left out Arshdeep Singh from the playing eleven.

UAE made a strong and aggressive start to the innings with Alishan Sharafu drilling Hardik Pandya for two successive boundaries in the opening over before he clubbed Axar Patel over the cover for a lovely drive to earn six runs. But Jasprit Bumrah, playing his first T20I in more than a year, broke his stumps.

Varun Chakaravarthy sent back Muhammed Zohaib for two runs in five balls as Rahul Chopra was caught by the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, who was also playing his first T20I in more than a year. In that over, he got two more wickets of Waseem and Harshit Kaushik to have figures of 3/7 in two overs.  

The hosts UAE, will open up their account in the Asia Cup 2025 by facing off against the tournament favorites, India, on September 10 at Dubai International Stadium. The host nation is placed in Group A, alongside India, Oman, and Pakistan, and will play all its league fixtures in Dubai. Led by the explosive pinch-hitter Muhammed Waseem, the UAE will certainly be fancying their chances of delivering a positive impact in the eight-nation continental tournament. 

The UAE has made regular appearances in earlier editions of the Asia Cup but would often end up falling short. But in recent times, the tiny Gulf nation has made astronomical advancements in its game. The UAE now has at least one T20I win against two full-member Asian teams (Bangladesh & Afghanistan), while also maintaining a formidable win record against its Arab neighbor, Oman. 

Although dejected with the recent tri-series heartbreak, the group poses a stern challenge as UAE’s home advantage gives them a real opportunity to stun star-studded teams like India and Pakistan. To truly punch above their weight, they must stay disciplined, seize key moments, and manage the physical and mental demands of a high-stakes tournament. With that being said, we perform a comprehensive SWOT analysis to determine how the hosts are shaping up ahead of their all-important Asia Cup campaign.

See also: Top 3 players to watch from UAE ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Strengths

• Home Advantage & Venue Familiarity: With all matches hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE players benefit from familiarity with pitch conditions and climate, particularly valuable in adapting to factors like humidity and dew.
• Inspiring Leadership from Match-Winner Muhammad Waseem: Captain Muhammad Waseem brings explosive batting prowess and substantial experience. He impressed in the DP World ILT20, showcasing his match-winning capability, and played a crucial role in guiding the UAE to Asia Cup qualification. Waseem now holds the record for having the best T20I strike rate as a UAE batter and is only the second-highest six getter after Rohit Sharma in the T20Is.
• Fitness, Fielding, and Mental Toughness Emphasis: Under coach Lalchand Rajput, the squad is focusing on grit and resilience, with a strong push toward improved fitness and sharper fielding. Rajput has a demonstrated track record of assisting full-member nations like India and Zimbabwe in achieving excellence in multiple facets of the game.
• Valuable Exposure via Tri-Series Preparation: Although the UAE failed to register a single victory in the tri-series, facing up against Asian powerhouses like Pakistan and Afghanistan has made them battle-hardened. The host nation has undergone a crucial dress rehearsal prior to the start of its Asia Cup campaign. The defeats will have surely given them a taste of what it is like to experience high-pressure match situations.

Weaknesses

• Facing a Grueling Group A Showdown: UAE is grouped with cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, alongside regional rival Oman. This makes qualification for the Super Four extremely demanding. 
• Dependence on Key Individuals: The squad’s success hinges significantly on standout performers like Waseem and a few others. Depth across the line-up remains limited.
• Limited Consistent Success Against Elite Teams: Apart from the 2-1 series win against Bangladesh, competitive wins against other high-ranking sides remain few and far between, with recent defeats against Pakistan and Afghanistan in preparatory tri-series matches highlighting inconsistency.

Opportunities

• Perfect Platform for a Landmark Upset: T20 cricket’s unpredictable nature works in the UAE’s favor. Rajput emphasizes that a single moment of brilliance could tilt matches. His bold vision turned out to be spot on during Bangladesh's tour to the UAE. Bangladesh ended up paying a heavy price for their complacency. After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Tigers lowered their guard, and the UAE, banking on their unprecedented brilliance, were able to outshine the Asia nation and stun them eventually, by taking the series 2-1.   
• Talent Showcase Leading to Wider Recognition: Strong performances at home could elevate UAE players’ profiles and potentially open doors in T20 franchise leagues, thus resulting in wider player recognition.
• Boost to Team Confidence & National Cricket Growth: Building on recent successes, winning (or competing closely) against top teams could fuel cricket’s growth and popularity within the UAE.

Threats

• Highly Competitive Group Stage: With India and Pakistan in the group, the UAE faces steep competition, and any slip-up could mean an early exit.
• High Stakes Lead to High Pressure: As hosts and a rising associate team, expectations are high. If not managed, this pressure could impact performance under tension.
• Physical Strain from Harsh Conditions: UAE’s extreme September heat and humidity may take a toll, particularly for fast bowlers, despite evening match schedules

Predicted playing XL: Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Ethan D’Souza, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Farooq, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid, Saghir Khan, Junaid Siddique

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) featured in the tri-series 2025 at home against Pakistan and Afghanistan to prepare for the upcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 09 as they would face India in their opening game on the following day at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The UAE side, however, didn’t earn a single victory in the tri-series.

Muhammed Waseem will be leading the squad for the Asia Cup. His role in the leadership department and the opening position will be crucial for the team. Along with him, Asif Khan, the second leading run-getter in T20Is for the UAE, is also expected to play a huge role with the bat.

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United Arab Emirates Squad: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Saghir Khan.

After facing the UAE in their opening game, they will lock horns with Oman on September 15 in the afternoon clash and later against Pakistan on September 17 in Dubai.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 players to watch from UAE ahead of Asia Cup 2025

3. Asif Khan

The Lahore right-handed batter for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asif Khan, has been a vital member of the eleven in the lower middle order. In the batting department, he has smashed 1298 runs in 53 T20I innings at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of nearly 140, thanks to six half-centuries at the best score of 79 runs.

In the shortest format, Asif has clubbed 1342 T20 runs in 55 innings at an average of just below 30 and a strike rate of 139.64, scoring six fifties at the best score of 79 runs. Quite interestingly, he featured in just one clash of the International League T20 for the Mumbai Emirates in 2023/24 but didn’t get the chance to bat.

In the recently concluded Tri-series, Asif bashed 125 runs in four innings, with 77 runs coming against Pakistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

2. Muhammad Waseem

The captain and the opening batter of the United Arab Emirates, Muhammad Waseem, is the 11th leading T20I run getter and the highest run-getter of the side. The 31-year-old has drilled 2922 runs in 82 innings of the T20Is at an average of nearly 38 and a strike rate of 155.67, with the help of 23 half-centuries and three centuries at the best score of 112.

In 111 T20 innings, the right-handed batter has dashed 3585 runs at an average of nearly 35 and a strike rate of 153, scoring 26 half-centuries and three centuries at the best score of 112. Playing for the MIE in the last edition of the ILT20, he bashed 183 runs in 10 innings.

Waseem has always been a consistent yet aggressive batter in the opening position for the UAE. In the tri-series, he notched up 163 runs in four innings at an average of over 40, with 67 runs coming against Afghanistan.

1. Haider Ali

The slow left-arm spinner of the UAE side, Haider Ali, is another vital member of the side. In 13 T20I innings, he has picked up 22 wickets at an average of under 13, a strike rate of 14.1, and an economy rate of under six, with the best bowling figures of 4/16 in an inning.

In the overall 30 innings of the shortest format, Ali has bagged 31 scalps at an average of under 19, a strike rate of 18.7, and an economy rate of under six, with 4/16 as the best. One of Haider’s excellent skills is how he varies the pace and spin with the ball against different batters of the side.

Against Afghanistan and twice against Pakistan, Haider picked up two wickets during the tri-series, which has always contributed to helping the side gain dominance in the middle overs of the innings. His role on those slow and low Dubai and Abu Dhabi surfaces will be important for the UAE side to hold the key to the event.

It is time for the last league stage game in the United Arab Emirates T20I tri-series 2025, where the hosts UAE are ready to face Afghanistan at Sharjah on Friday (August 5). While the Final of the tournament has already been sorted, as Pakistan and Afghanistan will face each other on Sunday (August 7), this match won't affect the tournament.

Currently, Pakistan are leading the point table with six points after four games with three wins and one loss. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have four points after three games with two wins and one loss, and they need a big win against the UAE to finish the points table as the leader. The hosts UAE are dreaming of their first win of the tournament, as they have recorded three out of three defeats without opening their points tally. 

While all teams are participating in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025, which the UAE will host between September 9 and 28, this T20I tri-series is very important for all teams. While Afghanistan want to continue their momentum before the tournament Final and the forthcoming Asia Cup, the UAE are desperate for a victory to boost their confidence before hosting the Asia Cup. 

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United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Toss update

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan have rested some of their regular players, including their captain Rashid Khan, as Ibrahim Zadran is leading the team in this game. 

All five matches of this tournament experienced comfortable victory results for the first batting teams, while the closest victory margin was by 18 runs for Afghanistan against Pakistan. 

United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Playing XIs

Afghanistan — Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai 

United Arab Emirates — Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, under the leadership of Muhammed Waseem. The opening batter of the side, who breached Rohit Sharma’s T20I record during the Tri-series clash against Afghanistan and has thumped 2859 T20I runs in 80 innings at a strike rate of 156.31, will be a vital member in the campaign.

The right-arm pacer, Matiullah Khan, and the left-arm spinner of the side, Simranjeet Singh, will be the two additions in the squad from the ongoing tri-series team against Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah, with the rest of the squad retaining their respective places in the team.

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Matiullah, the 32-year-old, has played only one 50-over fixture and five T20Is so far in his career. The last of those 20-over games will come against Nigeria in the Pearl of Africa series two months ago. On the other hand, Simranjeet, the 35-year-old, has featured in five ODIs and 11 T20Is and last represented the UAE at the Gulf T20I Championship last December.

Muhammed Waseem to lead UAE’s 17-member squad for Asia Cup 2025

The UAE last participated in the 2016 version of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, when it was played in the T20I format for the very first time. In seven games, they have won three matches and faced four defeats.

They are part of the Group A side in the Asia Cup 2025, which starts on September 09 as Afghanistan will lock horns with Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. UAE’s first game will be against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which will now be the most anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14.

The UAE is yet to beat India or Pakistan in any format, but they have beaten Oman in five T20Is. The top two sides from the group will progress to the Super Fours stage.

United Arab Emirates’ squad for Asia Cup 2025

Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, and Saghir Khan

Final arrangements are being made for a tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an official announcement expected as soon as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka concludes. The series will be marketed as a preparatory event for the next edition of the Asia Cup in 2025, so the teams have the chance to prepare for when they return to the Gulf region.

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to tour Pakistan in August for a bilateral T20I series, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed to transition it into a tri-nation T20I series in the UAE. This proposal seemed to be well received by the respective boards, particularly noting the advantages of playing in the UAE in preparation for a major continental event, given the geographical and climatic surroundings.

Sources have suggested that the final arrangements for this series are at the end stages and are being worked on at the ACC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) currently in Bangladesh, and assuming the sessions are completed, they will formally announce the full schedule and locations.

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ACC Meeting With Full Support: UAE Tri-Series Probably in August

The ACC AGM demonstrated strong participation with 24 of 25 member nations confirming they would be present, well above the required 13 member nations in order for the Nomination to be taken as a vote. This will be seen as a diplomatic victory for the ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, particularly after the major boards like the BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, and Oman Cricket indicated they were hesitant about the venue choice. India, although they weren't comfortable, agreed, and virtual representation through BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla shows a willingness for the discussion in a much more conciliatory manner.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Sayed Naseem Sadat earlier confirmed that the team is set to play a T20 and ODI series this year against Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the UAE. He noted that the team had initially planned to play three T20Is against Pakistan in August fixtures that could now become part of the UAE-hosted tri-series. The tournament, if confirmed, is expected to generate solid fan interest and provide valuable match practice ahead of a crucial Asia Cup campaign.

The United Arab Emirates surprisingly lost their last match by 6 runs against Uganda, failing to chase down the target of 126 runs. They have secured one victory and currently hold the second position in the points table.

On the other hand, Nigeria are struggling in this tournament, having lost both their matches and currently occupy the bottom position in the points table. They lost their last match by 77 runs against Uganda.

UAE vs NIG Match Details

Date: July 21st, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM IST

Venue: Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

UAE vs NIG Weather Report

Clear weather

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Top Batters UAE vs NIG

• Muhammad Waseem (UAE) - 65 runs in this tournament

• Rahul Chopra (UAE) - 53 runs in this tournament

• Isaac Danladi (NIG) - 50 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler UAE vs NIG

• Sylvester Okpe (NIG) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

• Mohammad Rohid Khan (UAE) - 5 wickets in this tournament

• Zuhaib Zubair (UAE) - 4 wickets in this tournament

UAE vs NIG Recent Performance

UAE vs NIG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If NIG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NIG is expected to score 100-105 runs

• Result prediction- UAE will win the match by 6 Wickets.

Scenario 2- If UAE bats first

• First Innings score prediction- UAE is expected to score 155-165 runs.

• Result prediction- UAE will win the match by 45-60 Runs

UAE vs NIG Predicted Playing XI

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Playing XI 

Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D'Souza, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Muhammad Zuhaib, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan.

Nigeria (NIG) Playing XI

Sulaimon Runsewe (wk), Selim Salau, Olayinka Olaleye,Isaac Danladi, Sylvester Okpe (c), Prosper Useni, Akhere Isesele, Vincent Adewoye, Isaac Okpe, Peter Aho, Mohameed Taiwo.

UAE vs NIG Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

UAE To win

We predict that UAE will be winning this Pearl of Africa T20 match. The likes of Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Waseem and Rahul Chopra will be key players to watch out for.

While Afghanistan have a more than a year-long plan to host the T20I series against Bangladesh, it is likely to sort out soon, as the hosting nation of the series has reportedly been sorted out.

UAE will host Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series in October: Report

According to the recent ESPNcricinfo report, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to host the three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh this October. The series dates are yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be played after the Asia Cup 2025, which is likely to be played in September.

Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a three-match ODI and another three-match T20I series, starting on October 15. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have a full tour schedule of Zimbabwe, potentially starting at the end of October. So, the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series is likely to be played before their respective planned schedules. 

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Afghanistan vs Bangladesh full series was originally planned for July 2024

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to host a two-match Test series, a three-match ODI series, and a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh back in July 2024. While the Indian city Greater Noida was Afghanistan's hosting venue, those series were postponed due to weather conditions and a packed international cricket schedule for Bangladesh. Later, Sharjah hosted the three-match ODI series in November 2024, where Afghanistan won by 2-1.

Now, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are close to finalising their T20I series, and the UAE is likely to host it as the hosting nation for Afghanistan. Both teams want this T20I series, as they feel that it will be a strong preparation for them before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host in February-March 2026.

It will be their first T20I meeting after their meeting in the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Afghanistan won by eight runs (DLS method) to qualify for the Semi-finals of the tournament. However, before this T20I series, there is a strong chance that they will face each other in the Asia Cup 2025.  

On the other hand, their two-match Test series is yet to be scheduled. According to the ESPNcricinfo report, this Test series is likely to be scheduled for next year.