India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign by facing the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Captain Suryakumar Yadav finally broke a long streak by winning the toss. India had lost 15 consecutive tosses before this match.
Opting to bowl first, India aimed to use the fresh pitch and new ball to their advantage. The decision offered early control over the match’s tempo.
Playing XI choices reflected India’s balanced approach. The team included both experienced players and rising stars. This setup was designed to give flexibility in batting and depth in bowling.
For UAE, home advantage brought optimism. But India, as defending T20 World Cup champions, entered the contest as clear favorites. Suryakumar’s side had won 17 of their last 20 T20Is and held the top spot in T20I rankings.
The tournament is hosted across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India’s group includes tough matchups against Pakistan and Oman in Group A. India’s main and highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan is already set for September 14 in Dubai.
India’s victory in the toss signals a fresh start. With a mix of form, strategy, and experience, they are poised to make a strong statement early in the tournament.
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