In their second match of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, the UAE will be hoping to rebound after a thrilling yet narrow loss to Afghanistan in their first match. In chasing a total of 171, the UAE fell short by a mere four runs, despite some brilliant batting displays, showcasing some promise and an effort of resilience. With India waiting in Sharjah with an intimidating squad, the UAE will want to plan everything down to a tee and have the right XI if they want to stand any chance against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Openers

Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Zohaib will likely open the batting for the UAE, and based on recent form, they can both provide the explosive starts required against India. Sharafu made a valuable contribution with a 27 of 23 balls performance against Afghanistan, including three fours and a six, at a good strike rate of 117.39. The flexibility to play shots at will, the capacity to rotate the strike, and the ability to punish bad balls make Sharafu a viable option to open. Muhammad Zohaib played a fast 23 off 19 balls innings against Afghanistan, and played a few vital shots to keep the chase alive.
Middle Order

The UAE middle-order will be relying on captain Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan. Waseem was impressive in the last match, scoring 44 off 29 balls, with three fours and three sixes. Waseem can hold the innings down and accelerate when he can, aggressive and intentional batting style. Coming off a quickfire 40 from 28 balls in the previous ODI, Asif Khan proved his class with crisp timing, calculated strokes, and calmness in crunch moments. Waseem and Khan provide the UAE with stability and some firepower for chasing down a total or putting up an impressive total against a high-caliber team like India.
Bowlers

Haider Ali and Simranjeet Singh hold the key to the UAE’s attack, tasked with providing early breakthroughs. Ali was brilliant in the last game, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs, with an economy of 5.75. Simranjeet Singh impressed with his wicket and 4 overs, 24 runs conceded. If both bowlers can stick to their lines and lengths while mixing up their variations, they can take advantage of the Sharjah conditions and put India’s top order under pressure.
FAQs
1. Who are the predicted openers for the UAE against India?
Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Zohaib are expected to open the innings.
2. Who are the all-rounders to watch in the UAE lineup?
Harshit Kaushik and Haider Ali are the UAE’s primary all-rounders.
3. Which bowlers could make an impact for the UAE?
Haider Ali and Simranjeet Singh are expected to lead the bowling attack.
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