The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and UAE captain Muhammad Waseem is stealing the spotlight. He believes his team can pull off a UAE cricket upset against giants India or Pakistan. “We can absolutely inflict an upset,” Waseem told ESPNcricinfo on September 9, 2025. His confidence comes despite the UAE’s tough Group A draw with India, Pakistan, and Oman.
Waseem, 31, is UAE’s batting powerhouse. Since his 2021 debut, he’s scored nearly three times more runs than any teammate. His strike rate tops the team by 20 points. He’s smashed three of UAE’s four T20I centuries, making him key to their T20 cricket hopes.
The T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a big stage. Waseem aims to lead UAE to the Super Four. His team struggles with player experience but has skill, he says. The recent tri-series in Sharjah showed their potential, though they fell short against Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Travel fatigue is another hurdle. Like Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, who arrived in Dubai exhausted, UAE players face cricketer travel fatigue. Waseem’s squad played a tri-series just days before the Asia Cup. Yet, his focus is on team strategy and fan support. Can UAE turn heads? Let’s dive into Waseem’s plan and challenges.
Waseem’s Big Dream for UAE Cricket
Muhammad Waseem has a bold goal: to make the UAE a Full Member nation. “The more we play Test nations, the better our rankings,” he said. Beating teams like India or Pakistan could fast-track this dream. Waseem looks to Afghanistan’s rise as inspiration.
Since 2021, Waseem has been UAE’s top batter. His power-hitting sets the tone in T20s. He scored a century in his first T20I series, earning a national contract. His domestic success in ECB tournaments also landed him the cricket captaincy.
The Asia Cup 2025 is a chance to shine. UAE faces India on September 10 in Dubai. Waseem’s form is crucial, as UAE relies on him heavily. Past tournaments, like the India-Bangladesh rivalry, show how underdogs can surprise.
Learning from the Best
The ILT20 league has boosted the UAE’s skills. Playing with global stars teaches player experience. Waseem says this pressure helps in international games. It’s a big reason for the UAE’s recent progress.
UAE’s tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan was tough but educational. Waseem believes these matches prepare them for the Group A Asia Cup challenges. Learning from losses builds confidence.
Power-Hitting Fuels UAE’s Strategy
Waseem’s batting strategy is simple: attack early. He goes hard in the powerplay, while his partner plays safe. “I take the bowler on,” he said. This helps UAE aim for big scores like 170-plus.
Teammates Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan also hit hard. UAE spaces its power-hitters in the batting order. One attacks, another rotates the strike. This balance keeps the scoreboard moving.
In the tri-series, UAE got close but lacked execution consistency. Waseem and Asif fell at key moments against Afghanistan. Better decisions could lead to a UAE cricket upset. The team’s plan is clear: play fearless cricket.
Timing Is Everything
Waseem’s aggressive style suits T20s. He targets loose balls to hit sixes. His strike rate leads UAE, making him a game-changer. Sharafu and Khan follow his lead in the middle order.
Coaches tweak the lineup to maximize team strategy. Waseem wants one big hitter always at the crease. This approach could trouble India or Pakistan. It’s about seizing the moment.
Travel Fatigue Tests UAE’s Grit
Cricketer travel fatigue is a real challenge. Waseem’s team played a tri-series in Sharjah ending September 7. They face India just three days later. Long commutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi add stress.
Sri Lanka’s Asalanka, also battling travel fatigue, called Dubai’s heat tough. UAE players face similar Dubai heat issues, with temperatures over 40°C. Staying fresh is hard. Recovery time is short.
Waseem stays positive, like Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. “We focus on the game,” he said. UAE’s support staff help with player recovery plans. Ice baths and hydration keep the team going.
Beating the Heat and Jet Lag
UAE uses cooling strategies like ice vests. Trainers monitor players for heat stress. Short naps and energy drinks fight jet lag. These steps help UAE stay sharp.
The first Women’s ODI World Cup faced similar heat challenges. UAE’s staff learned from past events. Proper planning keeps players ready for T20 Asia Cup matches.
Group A: A Tough Road Ahead
Group A Asia Cup is brutal for UAE. India, Pakistan, and Oman are strong opponents. Waseem believes UAE can beat Oman and target one big upset. A Super Four spot is the goal.
India’s match on September 10 is a huge test. Pakistan, on September 17, is another. The India-Bangladesh timeline shows how fierce these games are. UAE must play perfectly.
Waseem’s leadership is key. His cricket captaincy experience from domestic wins helps. He knows his bowlers and batters well. This knowledge could spark a UAE cricket upset.
Haider Ali Leads the Attack
Bowler Haider Ali is UAE’s strike weapon. His first-class experience in Pakistan shines. Dhruv Parashar also bowls well, but spinner Zuhaib Zubair’s injury hurts. Waseem relies on Haider for wickets.
UAE prefers chasing in Dubai due to dew. This team strategy suits their bowlers. Haider’s swing could trouble India’s batters. Smart bowling plans are crucial.
Building Fan Support in the UAE
UAE cricket is growing, but cricket fan support lags. “Five years ago, only friends watched,” Waseem said. Now, crowds are bigger. He wants local fans to cheer at the T20 Asia Cup.
Expats often support India or Pakistan. Waseem hopes to win them over. A UAE cricket upset could boost local pride. He’s calling for fans to fill Dubai’s stands.
The ILT20 has helped UAE cricket gain fans. Playing with stars like Rashid Khan draws crowds. Waseem’s power-hitting excites viewers. A big win could make UAE a fan favorite.
Turning Crowds into Cheerleaders
Waseem’s charisma draws attention. His six-hitting, like in the tri-series, wows fans. Social media buzz, like posts on X, shows growing support. UAE needs this energy to shine.
Fan events and local promotions can help. Waseem’s call to action is clear. More cricket fan support means more motivation. It could push UAE to upset India or Pakistan.
Conclusion: Can UAE Pull Off the Impossible?
Muhammad Waseem’s bold words set the stage for Asia Cup 2025. His belief in a UAE cricket upset inspires hope. UAE’s skill is there, but player experience is the challenge. Waseem’s power-hitting and leadership could make history.
Cricketer travel fatigue tests UAE, like it does Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The Dubai heat and tight schedules are tough. Yet, Waseem’s focus on team strategy keeps the team sharp. Fans, inspired by past upsets like in the Women’s ODI World Cup, want surprises.
UAE’s Group A battles against India and Pakistan are huge. Haider Ali’s bowling and Waseem’s batting are key. With growing cricket fan support, UAE could shock everyone. Will they reach the Super Four? Cheer them on and find out!
