The United Arab Emirates (UAE) returns to the Asia Cup 2025 with a mission to make their
presence felt on the big stage. As one of the strongest associate nations in the Asian Cricket
Council (ACC) framework, UAE has gradually built a competitive T20 side known for discipline,
resilience, and home-ground familiarity. They qualified for this year’s tournament through an
impressive showing in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup and will enjoy the added advantage of likely
hosting or co-hosting the event.
Team Composition and Key Players:
UAE’s squad features a strong mix of experienced players and youthful prospects. Their batting
lineup is anchored by Muhammad Waseem, the team’s leading run-scorer in T20s and current
captain. Waseem is known for his aggressive intent and ability to clear boundaries in the powerplay.
Supporting him is Vriitya Aravind, the young wicketkeeper-batter who offers composure, quick
running, and classy stroke play in the middle overs.
The UAE middle order includes Basil Hameed and Rohan Mustafa-two versatile all-rounders.
Mustafa, in particular, brings leadership experience and a balanced skillset with off-spin and useful
top-order batting. Aryan Lakra, a left-arm spinner, is another exciting talent capable of changing
games with the ball.
In the bowling department, Junaid Siddique leads the pace attack with his skiddy right-arm action.
Zahoor Khan provides experience, especially at the death, and the emergence of young bowlers likeSabir Ali has added variety. The spin group includes Karthik Meiyappan, who famously claimed a
hat-trick in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Strengths:
1. Home Advantage: With the tournament likely taking place in UAE venues (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu
Dhabi), the familiarity with pitches and weather conditions is a massive boost.
2. Balanced All-Rounders: Players like Mustafa, Basil, and Lakra offer flexibility in both departments.
3. Fielding Standards: UAE has invested significantly in fitness and fielding, often outperforming
higher-ranked teams in ground coverage and catching.
Weaknesses:
1. Inexperience Against Top Sides: While competitive against other associates, UAE has struggled
to maintain pressure against full-member nations.
2. Middle Order Collapse: If early wickets fall, the middle order sometimes falters under scoreboard
pressure.
3. Bowling Depth: Beyond the frontline bowlers, there is a lack of consistent backup in both pace
and spin.
Recent Form:
UAE qualified for the Asia Cup through the ACC Premier Cup by defeating Nepal and Oman in
high-pressure games. They also participated in the 2024 ICC T20 Global Qualifier and won several
warm-up matches against associate teams like Scotland and the USA.
More recently, they hosted bilateral T20Is against Canada and Ireland, where several young talents
like Aryan Lakra and Alishan Sharafu performed admirably. The team enters the Asia Cup with
confidence, having played frequently on the tournament’s likely venues.Tactical Blueprint:
UAE typically looks to score briskly in the powerplay through Muhammad Waseem and then rotate
strike with Aravind and Mustafa. Their strategy with the ball centers around using spin in the middle
overs to build pressure and save pace for the death. Fielding in the ring and sharp throws are a
hallmark of their recent performances.
Tournament Goals:
In a group featuring India, Pakistan, and Nepal, UAE is expected to target the Nepal fixture as their
most realistic chance of victory. However, their real goal is to push the top sides and show that they
belong in elite company. Competitive performances, even in defeat, will significantly boost their
cricketing profile and inspire further investment in the game at home.
Players to Watch:
– Muhammad Waseem: UAE’s best batter, capable of changing games with power hitting.
– Vriitya Aravind: A composed middle-order player with a high T20 average.
– Rohan Mustafa: Veteran all-rounder with match-winning capabilities in spin-friendly conditions.
– Karthik Meiyappan: Leg-spinner with flair and a proven knack for breakthroughs.
X-Factor:
The UAE’s ability to play without pressure. As a team with nothing to lose and everything to prove,
they often express themselves freely. This makes them a potential banana peel for overconfident
teams.
Key Points:
UAE’s presence in the Asia Cup 2025 is more than symbolic-it represents the rise of associatecricket and the success of grassroots development in the Emirates. With the tournament likely on
home soil, and several match-winners in their lineup, UAE is well-positioned to spring surprises.
Whether they make the Super Four or not, expect them to make headlines with individual brilliance,
tactical discipline, and a passionate, cricket-loving crowd behind them.