Asia Cup

Asia Cup 2025 Schedule UAE Fixtures Venues & Must-Watch Matches

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What is the Asia Cup 2025? 

  • The Asia Cup 2025 is the 17th edition of the Asia Cup men’s cricket tournament.
  • It’s played in the T20 format (each team bowls 20 overs per innings).
  • It is being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to September 28, 2025.
  • Eight teams are participating: five full ACC (Asian Cricket Council) members (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan) + three qualifiers (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong).
  • The format: Group Stage → Super Four → Final. Top two from each group advance to Super Four, then top two in Super Four play the final.

Venues & Basic Details

Venue City Number of Matches Key Features
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Dubai 11 matches Larger capacity (~25,000), including the final. 
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi 8 matches Openers, group matches and some Super Four fixtures. 

Full Match Schedule & Fixtures

Here is a breakdown of the schedule: group matches, Super Four, and the final. Times are often listed in IST (Indian Standard Time) or local UAE time. Adjust to your local time zone.

Group Stage (9 – 19 September 2025)

Date Match Venue Notes
9 Sep Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi Tournament opener. 
10 Sep India vs United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubai Defending champ India starts vs hosts. 
11 Sep Bangladesh vs Hong Kong Abu Dhabi Group B match. 
12 Sep Pakistan vs Oman Dubai Group A. 
13 Sep Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Abu Dhabi Big rivalry in Group B. 
14 Sep India vs Pakistan Dubai The big derby. 
15 Sep UAE vs Oman & Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Abu Dhabi & Dubai Double match day. 
16 Sep Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Abu Dhabi Late group fixture. 
17 Sep Pakistan vs UAE Dubai Crucial for group standings. 
18 Sep Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Abu Dhabi Final set of group matches. 
19 Sep India vs Oman Abu Dhabi India finishes group stage. 

Super Four Stage (20 – 26 September 2025)

Once the top two teams from each group are decided (titles A1, A2 from Group A; B1, B2 from Group B), these matches are scheduled:

Date Super Four Match Venue
20 Sep B1 vs B2 Dubai 
21 Sep A1 vs A2 Dubai 
23 Sep A2 vs B1 Abu Dhabi 
24 Sep A1 vs B2 Dubai 
25 Sep A2 vs B2 Dubai 
26 Sep A1 vs B1 Dubai 

Final

  • 28 September 2025, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Final between top two from Super Four.

Must-Watch Matches & Why They Are Important

Here are some fixtures you absolutely should keep an eye on, especially if you want high drama or major implications.

  1. India vs Pakistan (14 Sep, Dubai)
     One of cricket’s biggest rivalries. Early in the tournament, sets tone and momentum.
  2. Group B Battle: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka / Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
     These decide who advances. Close, competitive squads.
  3. Pakistan vs UAE (17 Sep, Dubai)
    UAE playing host, underdog stories matter. Also, for Pakistan this could be crucial for Super Four qualification.
  4. Super Four: India vs Pakistan (21 Sep, Dubai)
     If both come through their groups well, this is another high-stakes match. The winner gets the edge going into the final. 
  5. The Final (28 Sep, Dubai)
     Obviously. Everything comes down to this. Best two teams, maximum pressure.

For Seasoned Fans

  • Net Run Rate (NRR) will likely play a key role, especially in Group B where three teams (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) are close. Be mindful of big wins or losses affecting it.
  • Venue conditions:
    • Dubai stadium pitches tend to favour batters early but may offer slower bounce or spin as the match progresses.
    • Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed has historically been more balanced. Knowing the team’s strengths vs. conditions can give you insight into potential upsets.
  • Roster depth matters: Some big names are missing in certain squads (due to injury or rest). So underdogs could be upset if they leverage spin, death overs, or clutch performances.
  • Momentum from group to Super Four: Teams finishing top of their group (A1/B1) get theoretical advantage in scheduling and confidence; “must-win” or “must-not-lose badly” for A2 or B2.

Real Life Example

Remember in Asia Cup 2018 when Bangladesh beat India in group stage even though India had a strong record? That win gave Bangladesh momentum and confidence. Similarly, a surprise upset in Group B this year (say Afghanistan defeating Sri Lanka or vice versa) can alter who qualifies, how they face the big teams later.

Another example: a narrow loss with good NRR (for example, scoring 180+ but bowling out just short) can still keep a team alive, whereas a heavy loss can be very punishing.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Here are answers to common questions, straight-to-the-point:

Question Short Answer Details
When & where is Asia Cup 2025 played? 9-28 Sep 2025, UAE Played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 
Which teams are in the tournament? India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, Hong Kong Five full ACC members + 3 qualifiers. 
What’s the format? Group → Super Four → Final Two groups of four, then round robin Super Four, then final. 
How many matches & where? 19 matches; 11 in Dubai, 8 in Abu Dhabi Final is in Dubai. 
When is India vs Pakistan? 14 September 2025 in Dubai Group match. Can meet again in Super Four or Final if both win. 

 

Why This Article Should Be Your Reference

  • Up-to-date & accurate: Based on official announcements from the Asian Cricket Council and trusted media.
  • Detailed yet digestible: You get both the full picture and what to watch for.
  • Helps planning: Whether you’re scheduling your viewing, making travel/seat arrangements (if possible), or simply marking your calendar.

Conclusion 

The Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE promises some thrilling cricket: big names, rising underdogs, crucial matches, and an exciting finale. To stay ahead:

  1. Mark your calendar for the must-watch games (India vs Pakistan, final, & key group deciders).
  2. Watch the venues (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) to understand timings & conditions.

Follow points tables and net run rate—they’ll be decisive, especially for semifinal spots.

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