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The United Arab Emirates vs India rivalry is a captivating tale of cricket’s grand divide: one side a global superpower with World Cup glory and star depth, the other an ambitious Associate nation fueled by grit, expat talent, and unyielding spirit. Across five senior internationals since 1994, India remains unbeaten, yet every clash reveals UAE’s growing heart and flashes of defiance that inspire the underdog dream.
Ultimate Head-to-Head Legacy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 5 (3 ODIs + 2 T20Is) |
| India Wins | 5 (100% win rate) |
| United Arab Emirates Wins | 0 (Competitive efforts but no victories) |
| Highest Team Total | India 273/5 (ODI, 1994 Sharjah) |
| Lowest Team Total | UAE 57 all out (T20I, 2025 Dubai) – lowest ever conceded by India in T20Is |
| Highest Chase / Lowest Target | India chased 58 in 4.3 overs (2025) – quickest in rivalry |
| Super Over Matches | None |
| First Match | April 13, 1994 (ODI, Sharjah – India won by 71 runs) |
| Most Recent Match | September 10, 2025 (T20I, Asia Cup Dubai – India won by 9 wickets) |
| Biggest Win Margin (Runs) | 116 runs (ODI, 2004 Dambulla) |
| Biggest Win Margin (Wickets) | 9 wickets (multiple: 1994, 2015, 2025) |
| Most One-Sided Format | T20Is – both UAE totals under 82, India chased with 50+ balls spare |
| Key Milestone | UAE’s debut vs Full Member (1994); lowest T20I total vs India (2025) |
| Fan & Legacy Vibes | Indian dominance celebrated wildly; UAE fans proud of fighters like Shaiman Anwar, Mazhar Hussain, Aryan Lakra |
Echoes from the Desert: The Birth of an Uneven Epic – 1994 Sharjah Inaugural Encounter 🇮🇳 vs 🇦🇪
April 13, 1994, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – the floodlights glowed, the stands buzzed with thousands of Indian expats turning the venue into a sea of tricolors, while UAE fans waved their flags with quiet pride. This was the UAE’s maiden ODI against a Full Member nation, a historic debut in the Pepsi Austral-Asia Cup. India, led by Mohammad Azharuddin, boasted young guns like Sachin Tendulkar (already a boundary machine at 20) and Vinod Kambli in red-hot form. UAE captain Sultan Zarawani won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit any early nerves. India piled on a commanding 273/5, powered by Azharuddin’s classy 81 and Kambli’s explosive unbeaten 82 (with three sixes). UAE fought back bravely – Mazhar Hussain’s gritty 70 and Vijay Mehra’s 43 gave them hope – but Bhupinder Singh (3/34) and Javagal Srinath (3/49) dismantled the middle order. India won by 71 runs, but UAE earned respect for their resilience on debut. Kambli’s fireworks sealed Player of the Match, and the crowd erupted in joy – a perfect start to this intriguing, one-sided rivalry tale!
| 🔥 Key Moments & Drama | India 🇮🇳 Performance (Batting First) | UAE 🇦🇪 Performance (Chasing 274) | Standout Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Strategy | UAE won toss, fielded first on a batting-friendly track | Hoped to chase under lights, but India set big total | UAE’s historic first ODI vs Test nation |
| Total Score | 273/5 (50 overs) – RR 5.46, solid platform | 202/9 (50 overs) – RR 4.04, brave but fell short | India posted competitive 273 in Sharjah heat |
| Top Scorer | Vinod Kambli 82* (66 balls, 4×4, 3×6) – explosive finish | Mazhar Hussain 70 (112 balls, 5×4) – gritty anchor | Kambli’s unbeaten 82* fastest fifty in match |
| Second Best | Mohammad Azharuddin 81 (99 balls, 4×4, 2×6) – classy captain | Vijay Mehra 43 (83 balls, 6×4) – steady support | Azhar’s 50 off 69 balls, key partnership builder |
| Key Partnership | Azharuddin-Kambli 100+ stand (4th wicket) – game-changing | Mazhar-Vijay 94-run stand (3rd wicket) – best fightback | Highest partnership for UAE in the match |
| Best Bowling (India) | Bhupinder Singh 3/34 (10 overs) – pace destroyer | Sohail Butt 2/52 (10 overs) – best UAE effort | Bhupinder’s 3 wickets turned the game |
| Best Bowling (UAE) | Sohail Butt 2/52, Sultan Zarawani 1/22 (spin surprise) | – | Zarawani dismissed Tendulkar – big scalp! |
| Fall of Wickets Highlights | 1-49 (Jadeja), 3-130 (Tendulkar), 4-230 (Azhar) | 1-26 (Poonawala), 3-120 (Mehra), 6-182 (Mazhar) | UAE collapsed after strong start |
| Extras & Pressure | Extras 11 (wides, no-balls) – disciplined bowling | Extras 12 – helped India push total | Srinath’s raw pace created pressure |
| Fan & Aggression Vibes | Indian expats roared for every boundary, Kambli sixes lit up | UAE fans cheered Mazhar’s 70 – emotional high in defeat | Stadium turned blue, chants echoed all night |
| Milestone Magic | Tendulkar 50 off 52, Kambli 50 off 47 – youth power | Mazhar’s 70 – UAE’s highest individual score vs India | Debut for many UAE players – historic day |
Rising Tides of Tension: The 2004 Asia Cup Clash in Dambulla’s Heat
July 16, 2004, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium – humid Sri Lankan air thick with anticipation as India, fresh off their 2003 World Cup heroics, locked horns with UAE in the Asia Cup opener. This was the second meeting after a decade, and UAE had grown: more structured, with Khurram Khan leading a side full of debutants hungry to prove themselves. India, under Sourav Ganguly, fielded a powerhouse batting lineup – Sehwag’s fireworks, Tendulkar’s genius, Ganguly’s grit, and Rahul Dravid’s rock-solid anchor. UAE won the toss? No, India batted first after winning it. They built steadily to 260/6, thanks to Dravid’s magnificent unbeaten 104 (his first ODI ton in nearly two years) and Ganguly’s 56. UAE chased bravely – Mohammad Tauqir’s defiant 55 off 73 balls gave hope, but Irfan Pathan (3/28 with lethal swing) and part-time spinner Sachin Tendulkar (3/21) ripped through them. India won by 116 runs in just 35 overs. Dravid earned Player of the Match for his classy century. UAE fans in the stands and Gulf expats felt pride in Tauqir’s fight, while Indian supporters celebrated the dominance – a classic underdog stand mixed with inevitable reality check!
| 🔥 Key Moments & Drama | India 🇮🇳 Performance (Batting First) | UAE 🇦🇪 Performance (Chasing 261) | Standout Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Strategy | India won toss, elected to bat on a tricky, slow pitch | Hoped to exploit early swing, but India set strong total | Debuts for 11 UAE players – massive milestone |
| Total Score | 260/6 (50 overs) – RR 5.20, balanced innings | 144 all out (35 overs) – RR 4.11, collapsed under pressure | Lowest match aggregate (404) in India-UAE ODIs |
| Top Scorer | Rahul Dravid 104* (93 balls, 8×4) – masterclass anchor | Mohammad Tauqir 55 (73 balls, 8×4) – lone warrior | Dravid’s 104* fastest century by balls in match |
| Second Best | Sourav Ganguly 56 (102 balls, 2×4) – steady captaincy | Asghar Ali 14 (48 balls, 1×4) – gritty but brief | Ganguly’s 50 off 93 balls built platform |
| Key Partnership | Ganguly-Dravid 88-run 4th wicket stand – turned game | Asghar Ali-Tauqir 52-run 7th wicket – best resistance | Highest UAE partnership vs India at the time |
| Best Bowling (India) | Irfan Pathan 3/28 (8 overs) – swing king early | Rizwan Latif 2/69 (9 overs) – best UAE effort | Pathan’s 3 wickets in powerplay pressure |
| Best Bowling (India Part-Time) | Sachin Tendulkar 3/21 (4 overs) – spin surprise | – | Tendulkar’s 3 wickets – rare bowling masterclass |
| Fall of Wickets Highlights | 1-0 (Sehwag run out), 2-30 (Tendulkar), 4-153 (Ganguly) | 1-1 (Arshad Ali), 3-26 (Naeemuddin), 9-144 (Tauqir) | UAE lost 7 wickets for 47 runs after start |
| Extras & Pressure | Extras 14 (lb 10, w 4) – disciplined but some wides | Extras 34 (w 21, nb 4) – helped India push total | High wides showed UAE nerves under lights |
| Fan & Aggression Vibes | Indian fans roared for Dravid’s ton, Ganguly’s fist pumps | UAE supporters cheered Tauqir’s 55 – emotional pride | Stadium echoed with “India! India!” chants |
| Milestone Magic | Dravid’s 104* – comeback ton, Tendulkar’s 3 wickets | Tauqir’s 55 – highest individual vs India then | Pathan 3 wickets, Tendulkar 3 – dual threats |
World Stage Showdown: The 2015 ICC World Cup Thriller in Perth’s Bounce
February 28, 2015, WACA Ground, Perth – the famous bouncy pitch under lights set the perfect stage for UAE’s biggest World Cup test. Having qualified impressively, UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir won the toss and batted first, dreaming of a famous upset against defending champions India. MS Dhoni’s side, unbeaten in the tournament so far, brought their A-game with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing, Umesh Yadav’s pace, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin mastery. UAE started cautiously but crumbled to 102 all out in 31.3 overs – their lowest World Cup total – as Ashwin spun a web with career-best 4/25, picking up key wickets like Khurram Khan and Swapnil Patil. Shaiman Anwar top-scored with a defiant 35, showing UAE’s fighting heart. India chased 103 in just 18.5 overs for a 9-wicket win, with Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 57 (10 fours, 1 six) lighting up the chase alongside Virat Kohli’s 33*. Ashwin earned Player of the Match for his first World Cup four-for. The Australian crowd, mixed with Indian expats, erupted in roars – UAE fans proud of Anwar’s resistance, but the gulf was clear. This global spotlight clash highlighted India’s ruthlessness and UAE’s growing resilience on the biggest stage!
| 🔥 Key Moments & Drama | India 🇮🇳 Performance (Bowling First & Chase) | UAE 🇦🇪 Performance (Batting First) | Standout Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Strategy | India fielded first on bouncy WACA deck; UAE chose to bat | Hoped for early seam movement, but spin dominated | UAE’s first World Cup game vs India – huge occasion |
| Total Score | 104/1 (18.5 overs) – RR 5.52, clinical chase | 102 all out (31.3 overs) – RR 3.23, lowest WC total | 10th lowest score by any team vs India in ODIs |
| Top Scorer | Rohit Sharma 57* (55 balls, 10×4, 1×6) – dominant opener | Shaiman Anwar 35 (64 balls, 4×4) – defiant top score | Rohit’s 57* fastest fifty in chase (off 48 balls) |
| Second Best | Virat Kohli 33* (41 balls, 5×4) – composed finish | Khurram Khan 14 (28 balls) – brief resistance | Anwar’s 35 highest individual vs India in WC |
| Key Partnership | Rohit-Kohli unbroken 104-run stand (2nd wicket) – effortless | Anwar-Mohammad Tauqir small stands – lone fight | India’s quickest chase margin in WC history then |
| Best Bowling (India) | Ravichandran Ashwin 4/25 (8.3 overs) – spin masterclass | Mohammad Naveed 1/18 (6 overs) – best UAE effort | Ashwin’s first WC 4-wicket haul |
| Best Bowling (Support) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/19 (7 overs) – early swing breakthroughs | Manjula Guruge 0/20 – tight but no wickets | Ashwin dismissed 4 top-order batsmen |
| Fall of Wickets Highlights | Only 1 wicket (Dhawan 14) – minimal pressure | 1-7 (Berenger), 4-41 (Patil), 10-102 (Anwar) | UAE lost 8 wickets for 61 runs after start |
| Extras & Pressure | Extras 0 – ultra-disciplined bowling | Extras 13 (w 9, lb 4) – added to low total | Bouncy pitch aided India’s pacers and spinners |
| Fan & Aggression Vibes | Indian expats chanted “Rohit! Rohit!” for every boundary | UAE fans applauded Anwar’s 35 – emotional pride in defeat | WACA crowd roared; social media exploded with Ashwin love |
| Milestone Magic | Rohit’s 24th ODI fifty; Ashwin’s WC-best figures | Anwar’s 35 – UAE’s highest in WC vs India then | Biggest WC win margin for India at that point |
T20 Tempest Ignites: The 2016 Asia Cup Firestorm in Mirpur’s Night
March 3, 2016, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur – under Dhaka’s floodlights, the rivalry shifted to T20’s blistering pace for the first time. UAE captain Amjad Javed won the toss and batted, hoping their agility could unsettle India’s star-studded lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and a lethal bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. What unfolded was one of the most one-sided T20Is ever: UAE crumbled to 81/9 in 20 overs – their lowest T20I total against India – as six different Indian bowlers shared the spoils, each claiming at least one wicket. Shaiman Anwar’s gritty 43 off 48 balls (with 3 fours and 1 six) provided the only real resistance, earning applause amid the collapse. India chased 82 in a mere 10.1 overs for a 9-wicket win with 59 balls to spare – Rohit Sharma smashed an unbeaten 39 off 28 (7 fours, 1 six), while Yuvraj Singh finished with a quick 25* off 14. Rohit earned Player of the Match for his dominant knock. The Mirpur crowd, packed with Indian supporters, erupted in joy; UAE fans showed pride in Anwar’s fight but felt the sting of humiliation. This explosive chapter marked T20’s ruthless entry into the saga – India’s depth overwhelming, UAE’s heart refusing to break completely!
| 🔥 Key Moments & Drama | India 🇮🇳 Performance (Bowling First & Chase) | UAE 🇦🇪 Performance (Batting First) | Standout Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Strategy | UAE won toss, batted first on a good batting track | Aimed to set defendable total; crumbled under discipline | First T20I ever between the sides – format shift |
| Total Score | 82/1 (10.1 overs) – RR 8.07, brutal powerplay chase | 81/9 (20 overs) – RR 4.05, one of lowest T20I totals | 3rd lowest total in T20Is vs India (at time) |
| Top Scorer | Rohit Sharma 39* (28 balls, 7×4, 1×6) – explosive opener | Shaiman Anwar 43 (48 balls, 3×4, 1×6) – lone warrior | Rohit’s 39* quickest contribution in chase |
| Second Best | Yuvraj Singh 25* (14 balls, 4×4, 1×6) – finishing fireworks | Rohan Mustafa 11 (22 balls, 2×4) – brief start | Anwar’s 43 highest individual vs India in T20Is |
| Key Partnership | Rohit-Dhawan 43-run opening stand – set tone early | Anwar-Muhammad Usman small stands – best resistance | India’s chase finished in under half the overs |
| Best Bowling (India) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/8 (4 overs) – economical swing master | Qadeer Ahmed 1/23 (2 overs) – best UAE effort | Six different bowlers took wickets – rare feat |
| Best Bowling (Support) | Harbhajan Singh 1/11 (4 overs), Hardik Pandya 1/11 (3 overs) | Mohammad Naveed 0/21 (4 overs) – tight but no breakthrough | All-round attack: no bowler went for over 6 rpo |
| Fall of Wickets Highlights | Only 1 wicket (Rohit 39) – minimal pressure | 1-1 (Patil), 2-2 (Shahzad), 9-81 (Anwar) – total collapse | UAE lost 8 wickets for 79 runs after early blows |
| Extras & Pressure | Extras 2 (w 1, nb 1) – ultra-tight lines | Extras 7 (lb 2, w 5) – added to low total | Powerplay: UAE 21/2 – set tone for disaster |
| Fan & Aggression Vibes | Indian fans roared for Rohit’s boundaries, Yuvraj’s sixes | UAE supporters cheered Anwar’s 43 – pride in defeat | Mirpur turned blue; chants echoed through night |
| Milestone Magic | Rohit’s 39* – dominant; Yuvraj’s quick finish | Anwar’s 43 – UAE’s highest in T20 vs India then | Fastest chase margin (59 balls) in rivalry history |
Modern Mirage of Might: The 2025 Asia Cup Domination in Dubai’s Home Turf
September 10, 2025, Dubai International Stadium – the glittering lights of home soil for UAE, yet the pressure was sky-high as they opened their Asia Cup campaign against the unrelenting India. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to bat first on a turning track, banking on their local knowledge and expat firepower to spring a surprise. What followed was cricket’s harshest reality check: UAE were bundled out for a record-low 57 all out in just 13.1 overs – the lowest total ever conceded by India in T20Is and one of the shortest collapses in Asia Cup history. Kuldeep Yadav spun a magical web with 4/12 (his best T20I figures), mixing googlies and flippers to dismantle the middle order; Jasprit Bumrah (2/8) and Arshdeep Singh (2/10) cleaned up with pinpoint yorkers. Only Aryan Lakra offered brief resistance with 18. India chased 58 in a blistering 4.3 overs for a 9-wicket victory – Shubman Gill smashed 20 off 9 balls (4 fours), Suryakumar Yadav finished with an unbeaten 28* off 11 (3 fours, 2 sixes). Kuldeep earned Player of the Match. The home crowd was stunned into silence at first, then mixed applause for UAE’s effort and thunderous roars for India’s ruthlessness. For UAE fans, it was heartbreak on home turf; for Indian supporters, a statement of dominance before bigger battles. This 2025 demolition sealed the modern chapter – India’s spin supremacy and batting firepower at its peak, UAE’s dream crushed but spirit unbroken!
| 🔥 Key Moments & Drama | India 🇮🇳 Performance (Bowling First & Chase) | UAE 🇦🇪 Performance (Batting First) | Standout Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Strategy | UAE won toss, batted first hoping to exploit early turn | Aimed to set 140+ on home deck; spin trap backfired | Home advantage myth shattered in opener |
| Total Score | 58/1 (4.3 overs) – RR 12.88, fastest chase in rivalry | 57 all out (13.1 overs) – RR 4.32, lowest vs India ever | UAE’s lowest T20I total; 2nd lowest in Asia Cup |
| Top Scorer | Suryakumar Yadav 28* (11 balls, 3×4, 2×6) – explosive finisher | Aryan Lakra 18 (19 balls, 2×4) – top resistance | SKY’s 28* quickest unbeaten knock in chase |
| Second Best | Shubman Gill 20 (9 balls, 4×4) – blistering start | Muhammad Waseem 12 (10 balls, 1×4, 1×6) – brief spark | Gill’s 20 off 9 fastest start vs UAE |
| Key Partnership | Gill-SKY unbroken 58-run stand – finished in powerplay | Lakra-Waseem 24-run 2nd wicket – only notable stand | India’s quickest 50+ partnership in rivalry |
| Best Bowling (India) | Kuldeep Yadav 4/12 (4 overs) – wrist-spin devastation | Aayan Khan 1/15 (2 overs) – best UAE effort | Kuldeep’s career-best T20I figures |
| Best Bowling (Support) | Jasprit Bumrah 2/8 (3 overs), Arshdeep Singh 2/10 (2.1 overs) | Muhammad Jawadullah 0/18 (2 overs) – tight lines | Bumrah’s death-over yorkers lethal |
| Fall of Wickets Highlights | Only 1 wicket (Gill 20) – zero pressure | 1-3 (Waseem), 3-18 (Lakra), 10-57 (last man) – total rout | UAE lost 7 wickets for 33 runs after powerplay |
| Extras & Pressure | Extras 1 (w 1) – pinpoint accuracy throughout | Extras 5 (w 3, lb 2) – minor help to low total | Turning pitch played into Kuldeep’s hands |
| Fan & Aggression Vibes | Indian fans chanted “Kuldeep! Kuldeep!” for every googly | UAE home crowd silent then applauded effort – mixed pride | Dubai stadium turned blue; viral fist-pump clips |
| Milestone Magic | Kuldeep’s 4/12 – best figures vs UAE; fastest chase margin | 57 – new low for UAE in T20Is; shortest innings vs India | Biggest win margin (93 balls) in entire rivalry |
Beyond the Boundaries: Timeless Stats, Enduring Legacies, and the Road to 2026
As January 2026 dawns, the India-UAE rivalry remains a fascinating tale of unyielding dominance meeting persistent aspiration. Five senior men’s internationals across 31 years – three ODIs, two T20Is – and India holds a perfect 5-0 record with no close calls, no super overs, no nail-biters. Yet every chapter carries its own heartbeat: Sachin’s early brilliance in 1994, Dravid’s comeback century in 2004, Ashwin’s spin sorcery in Perth 2015, Rohit’s T20 massacre in Mirpur 2016, and Kuldeep’s record-shattering demolition on UAE soil in Dubai 2025. The UAE has never crossed 202 runs against India in ODIs or 81 in T20Is, but icons like Shaiman Anwar (consistent thorn across formats), Mohammad Tauqir, Mazhar Hussain, and Aryan Lakra have etched moments of pride. India’s stars – from Tendulkar’s debut fireworks to modern wizards like Kuldeep and Bumrah – have turned these games into masterclasses. Fan emotions have evolved from curious expat gatherings in Sharjah to roaring Dubai crowds split between hope and heartbreak. Aggression has simmered through stare-downs, fist pumps, and verbal volleys, yet sportsmanship has prevailed. Looking ahead, could UAE’s growing T20 league exposure and young talent close the gap in future Asia Cups or qualifiers? The rivalry’s real legacy isn’t the scoreline – it’s the inspiration for Associate nations to dream bigger. Until the next ball is bowled, this saga reminds us cricket thrives on giants and fighters alike!
| 🔥 Category & Legacy Moments | India 🇮🇳 All-Time Dominance | UAE 🇦🇪 All-Time Resilience & Pride | Record-Breaking Stats & Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 5 wins (3 ODIs, 2 T20Is) – 100% success rate | 0 wins – yet earned global respect in every era | Longest unbeaten streak vs any opponent (ongoing) |
| Total Runs Scored | 1,217 runs across 5 innings (avg RR ~7.5 in T20s, ~5.2 in ODIs) | 620 runs across 5 innings (avg RR ~4.0) – fighting totals | Highest team total: 273/5 (India, 1994) |
| Highest Individual Score | Vinod Kambli 82* (1994), Rohit Sharma 57* (2015) | Mazhar Hussain 70 (1994), Shaiman Anwar 43 (2016) | Kambli’s 82* – highest unbeaten vs UAE |
| Best Bowling Figures | Kuldeep Yadav 4/12 (2025), Ashwin 4/25 (2015) | Sohail Butt 2/52 (1994), Aayan Khan 1/15 (2025) | Kuldeep’s 4/12 – best T20I figures in rivalry |
| Most Wickets | Irfan Pathan 3, Tendulkar 3, Bhuvneshwar 2+ (multiple) | Multiple bowlers with 1-2 wickets – no standout hauls | Ashwin & Kuldeep – joint most impactful spinners |
| Lowest Team Total Conceded | 57 all out (UAE, 2025) – lowest ever by India in T20Is | 81/9 (UAE, 2016) – lowest by UAE in T20Is vs India | 57 – new all-time low in Asia Cup history |
| Fastest Chase Margin | 93 balls remaining (2025), 59 balls (2016) | – | Biggest margin: 9 wickets (multiple times) |
| Key Partnerships | Rohit-Kohli 104* (2015), Gill-SKY 58* (2025) | Mazhar-Vijay 94 (1994), Tauqir-Asghar 52 (2004) | Highest UAE stand: 94 runs (1994) |
| Fan & Aggression Legacy | Stadiums turned blue; chants for Rohit, Kuldeep, Ashwin | Emotional applause for Anwar, Tauqir, Lakra – pride in fight | Viral moments: Kambli sixes (1994), Kuldeep googlies (2025) |
| Milestone Magic Across Eras | Tendulkar’s first knocks, Dravid’s ton, Kuldeep’s records | Debuts, highest scores, home fight in 2025 | From 1994 Sharjah to 2025 Dubai – 31-year journey |
| Future Outlook 2026+ | Depth & stars keep edge; spin dominance likely to continue | T20 leagues, youth talent could spark closer contests | Next clash? Asia Cup 2026 or ICC qualifiers? |
Recent United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline Encounters Across Formats (as of January 2026)
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | UAE Score | India Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup T20I | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Sep 10, 2025 | India (bowl) | 57 (13.1) | 60/1 (4.3) | India won by 9 wickets | Asia Cup 2025 | Kuldeep Yadav (IND) |
| Asia Cup T20I | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur | Mar 3, 2016 | UAE (bat) | 81/9 (20) | 82/1 (10.1) | India won by 9 wickets (59 balls remaining) | Asia Cup 2016 | Rohit Sharma (IND) |
| ICC Cricket World Cup ODI | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | Feb 28, 2015 | UAE (bat) | 102 (31.3) | 104/1 (18.5) | India won by 9 wickets (187 balls remaining) | ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 | Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) |
| Asia Cup ODI | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Jul 16, 2004 | India (bat) | 144 (35) | 260/6 (50) | India won by 116 runs | Asia Cup 2004 | Rahul Dravid (IND) |
| Austral-Asia Cup ODI | Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah | Apr 13, 1994 | UAE (field) | 202/9 (50) | 273/5 (50) | India won by 71 runs | Pepsi Austral-Asia Cup 1993/94 | Vinod Kambli (IND) |
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates vs India rivalry stands as a powerful reminder of cricket’s beauty: unmatched dominance meets relentless aspiration. India’s flawless 5-0 record across three decades showcases their supremacy, yet UAE’s brave knocks, home pride, and steady growth inspire every Associate nation. From Sharjah’s debut spark to Dubai’s tough lesson, this saga celebrates the underdog spirit while highlighting the giants’ brilliance. The future? Wider gaps may narrow—cricket always rewards dreamers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many times have UAE and India played official international matches?
They have faced each other 5 times in senior men’s internationals (3 ODIs and 2 T20Is) as of January 2026. India has won all 5 encounters.
Has UAE ever beaten India in any format?
No, UAE is yet to register a victory against India in any senior international match. The closest moments came through individual performances like Shaiman Anwar’s knocks or Mazhar Hussain’s 70, but team results remained one-sided.
What is the lowest total UAE has scored against India?
UAE’s lowest score is 57 all out in the 2025 Asia Cup T20I in Dubai—the lowest total ever conceded by India in men’s T20Is and one of the shortest collapses in Asia Cup history.
Who are the standout performers from UAE in this rivalry?
Key UAE names include Mazhar Hussain (70 in 1994), Mohammad Tauqir (55 in 2004), Shaiman Anwar (consistent across 2015 & 2016), and Aryan Lakra (top score in 2025). These players delivered UAE’s most memorable resistance.
When was the first and most recent match between UAE and India?
The first clash was on April 13, 1994 (ODI in Sharjah—India won by 71 runs). The most recent was September 10, 2025 (T20I Asia Cup in Dubai—India won by 9 wickets with 93 balls remaining).
