Dubai is set for another gripping chapter of the Asia Cup 2025 as India take on Bangladesh in the Super Fours stage. Following a commanding victory over Pakistan, India captain Suryakumar Yadav exuded confidence, questioning the relevance of the rivalry given India’s dominance. Since early 2024, India has won 32 of 35 T20Is, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable sides in the format.
Bangladesh, however, arrive in Dubai buoyed by a stunning win over Sri Lanka in the tournament’s first round. Mahedi Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman’s disciplined bowling helped strangle Sri Lanka’s middle order, giving Bangladesh a morale-boosting start. Yet, their record against India remains stark, with 16 defeats in 17 T20Is. The slow Dubai pitch and extreme heat could offer the visitors a chance to level the playing field.
India’s top order looks formidable, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill forming a potent partnership, while Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav provide stability. The team continues to experiment with Sanju Samson in the middle order, testing his adaptability against spin and variations from Mustafizur.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das is expected to play despite a minor back strain, while the team considers whether to retain Shoriful Islam or bring in Tanzim Hasan to strengthen their bowling. Success for Bangladesh will hinge on their ability to disrupt India’s rhythm through tight bowling and clever use of spinners.
With temperatures soaring into the high 30s, the match promises to be a battle of stamina and strategy. While India hold the statistical edge, a single inspired performance from Bangladesh could tilt the contest.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma.
Bangladesh Squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.