The India vs UAE national cricket team timeline may not be the longest rivalry in cricket, but it has produced some unforgettable contests. India’s dominance in world cricket often contrasts with the UAE’s underdog spirit, yet the Emirati side has shown grit and passion every time they step onto the field.
From early ODI encounters in ICC tournaments to their T20I battles in Asia Cups, this matchup symbolizes a clash between an established cricketing giant and a determined associate nation. The 2025 Asia Cup once again brought this fixture into focus when India faced the UAE in Dubai.
India vs UAE Match Highlights
The Asia Cup 2025 Group A match between India and the UAE was one of the most-awaited encounters for fans, especially for those in the Emirates, where Indian cricket enjoys massive support.
| Match | Format | Date | Time (IST) | Status |
| Group A Match | T20I | 10 Sep 2025 | 19:30 IST | India won by 9 wickets |
This match wasn’t just about points; it was about exposure, experience, and pride.
Squads for the 2025 Asia Cup
India National Cricket Team Squad
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
India’s squad had a mix of young talents and seasoned performers. Abhishek Sharma provided explosive starts, Shubman Gill’s elegance stabilized innings, while the bowling attack—led by Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah ensured India remained dangerous in all phases of the game.
UAE National Cricket Team Squad
- Muhammad Waseem (Captain)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Vriitya Aravind (WK)
- Aayan Afzal Khan
- Basil Hameed
- Aryansh Sharma
- Ali Naseer
- Tanish Suri
- Zahoor Khan
- Junaid Siddique
- Rohan Mustafa
UAE relied heavily on the experience of Waseem, Zahoor Khan, and Rohan Mustafa. Youngsters like Sharafu and Aryansh Sharma were seen as prospects, gaining priceless experience against a top side like India.
Recent Encounter – Asia Cup 2025
Group A Match (10 September 2025, Dubai International Stadium):
- UAE Batting Collapse:
UAE, batting first, struggled right from the beginning. India’s pacers set the tone, and spinners sealed the deal. The team was bowled out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Alishan Sharafu’s 22 off 17 balls was the only significant contribution. - Indian Bowling Dominance:
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4/7 in 3 overs (Player of the Match)
- Shivam Dube: 3/4 in 2 overs
- Axar Patel: 1/6 in 2 overs
- Bumrah and Varun chipped in as well.
- India’s Chase:
Chasing 58 was never going to be a challenge. India finished the game in just 4.3 overs, ending at 60/1.- Abhishek Sharma smashed 30 off 16 balls.
- Shubman Gill added a quick 20 off 9.
- Captain Suryakumar Yadav hit 7* off 2 to wrap things up.
The sheer pace of the chase underlined India’s intent to dominate the group stages with confidence.
India vs UAE National Cricket Team: Memorable Past Clashes
The India national cricket team vs the united arab emirates national cricket team timeline includes a few memorable matches:
- 1996 ICC World Cup (Group Stage): India secured a comfortable win, but the UAE showed resilience as debutants in a global event.
- 2016 Asia Cup (Mirpur): India defeated UAE by 9 wickets, chasing down a low score in just 10 overs.
- Asia Cup 2025 (Dubai): The latest clash mirrored India’s dominance but also reflected the UAE’s growing cricketing exposure.
Though the UAE hasn’t yet recorded a win against India, these matches have been crucial for their cricketing development.
What to Expect Going Forward in the Asia Cup
For India
- India’s focus will shift to stronger opponents in the Asia Cup.
- Performances from young guns like Abhishek Sharma will please selectors and fans.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s spell reinforces India’s spin strength heading into the upcoming ICC tournaments.
For UAE
- Despite the loss, the UAE gained valuable match experience against world-class bowlers.
- Young batters like Sharafu will look to build on this exposure.
- Their bowling unit needs to find consistency if they are to challenge stronger nations in future qualifiers.
The rivalry might seem one-sided on paper, but the UAE’s determination to grow ensures that future contests could bring closer margins.
Wrapping Up
The India vs UAE national cricket team match timeline is one of contrast, India’s dominance vs UAE’s determination. The 2025 Asia Cup clash was a reminder of how far the UAE has to go, but also a testament to their commitment to improving.
For India, it was business as usual: ruthless bowling, fearless batting, and a statement victory. For the UAE, it was a lesson learned and an opportunity to grow.
This rivalry will continue to evolve, and while India holds all the wins so far, the UAE’s cricketing journey ensures that every future clash remains significant for both teams.