The curtain will rise on the 17th edition of the Asia Cup next week, with India and hosts UAE squaring off in the opening clash of Group A at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
India will look to stamp its authority right from the outset, aiming for a convincing start to the campaign. Earlier this year, the Men in Blue lifted the Champions Trophy on UAE soil, a triumph that underlined their comfort with local conditions.
Adding to that confidence, India recently wrapped up a commanding 4-1 T20 series victory over England, showcasing both form and depth across departments.
For UAE, the road looks a little steeper. Their recent outings in the triangular series against Pakistan and Afghanistan ended without a win, though there were flashes of promise with the bat.
Despite their struggles, the hosts will be determined to make the most of familiar territory and deliver a spirited performance against the defending giants.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
India vs. UAE Asia Cup T20 match live stream, TV channel in the US
Here's how to watch this Asia Cup match in the United States:
- TV Channel: Willow TV
- Live Stream: Fubo
Fans in the United States will be able to watch this game live exclusively on Willow TV.
Willow Sports is a cable TV channel, but if it's not included in your current package or you've cut the cord, it's available on Fubo.
Fubo offers Willow TV as part of its expanded sports offering. In addition to live matches, you can also watch replays and highlights on demand at any time from any device.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does the India vs. UAE Asia Cup T20 match start in the US?
This Asia Cup match takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and starts on Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. local time (Gulf time).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 9:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 7:30 a.m. |
India vs. UAE Asia Cup Asia Cup match predicted XIs, team news
India comes into this edition of the Asia Cup as both the reigning champion and the tournament’s most decorated side, carrying with it a proud legacy and a winning habit.
Recent form in T20 cricket has been nothing short of impressive, with six victories in their last seven outings, and the team will be eager to extend that purple patch.
The squad announcement didn’t throw up too many surprises, though one name made headlines, Shubman Gill. Returning to the T20 fold after more than a year, Gill is widely expected to open the innings, likely partnered by Abhishek Sharma.
The middle order is stacked with youthful talent and explosive stroke-makers, featuring Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jitesh Sharma, and Rinku Singh.
All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel bring balance, ensuring depth on both fronts. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah is primed to spearhead the pace attack with Arshdeep Singh as his deputy, while Varun Chakravarthy will shoulder the spin duties.
India's predicted XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
For the UAE, this marks a return to the Asia Cup stage for the first time since 2016. Back then, they ended winless at the bottom of the table, but much has changed in the years since. The hosts are eager to make the most of familiar conditions and have stuck with the core group that recently faced Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Matiullah Khan and Simranjeet Singh joining the ranks.
Although their recent tri-series results weren’t particularly encouraging, 2025 has delivered some bright spots for the side, highlighted by a spirited series win over Bangladesh.
Their fortunes will once again hinge on Muhammad Waseem, who has been in blazing form this year with both consistency and firepower at the top. He is expected to partner Alishan Sharafu, while the middle order blends experience with youth, featuring Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra, Muhammad Zohaib, and Harshit Kaushik.
The big question lies in their ability to handle elite bowling attacks. UAE’s hopes rest heavily on their pace trio, Junaid Siddique, Saghir Khan, and Rohid Khan, to strike early blows, while Haider Ali’s role through the middle overs could prove crucial if they’re to unsettle India’s powerhouse lineup.
UAE's predicted XI: Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Ethan D’Souza, Rahul Chopra (WK), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Rohid Khan.
Asia Cup cricket 2025 fixtures and start times
Here's the complete fixture schedule for the Asia Cup cricket 2025:
| Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
| Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 9 (10:30 a.m.) |
| India vs. UAE | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 10 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong China | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 11 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Pakistan vs. Oman | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 12 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 13 (10:30 a.m.) |
| India vs. Pakistan | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 14 (10:30 a.m.) |
| UAE vs. Oman | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 15 (8:00 a.m.) |
| Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 16 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Pakistan vs. UAE | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 17 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 18 (10:30 a.m.) |
| India vs. Oman | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 19 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group B Qualifier 1 vs. Group B Qualifier 2 (Super Four) | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 20 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group A Qualifier 1 vs. Group A Qualifier 2 (Super Four) | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 21 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group A Qualifier 1 vs. Group B Qualifier 2 (Super Four) | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Sept. 23 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group B Qualifier 1 vs. Group A Qualifier 2 (Super Four) | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 24 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group A Qualifier 2 vs. Group B Qualifier 2 (Super Four) | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 25 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Group A Qualifier 1 vs. Group B Qualifier 1 (Super Four) | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 26 (10:30 a.m.) |
| Final | Dubai International Stadium | Sept. 28 (10:30 a.m.) |