The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is expected to see conditions significantly affected by dew, particularly during the night matches. According to Tony Hemming, who once curated pitches in the UAE for almost ten years, batting becomes notably easier in the evening due to heavy dew accumulation. The Gulf region in September usually experiences high humidity, and the falling temperatures lead to the rapid formation of dew. This makes the ball slippery and challenging for bowlers to grip and swing. Former India all-rounder and previous UAE head coach, Robin Singh, emphasizes that dew will be a major factor in this year’s Asia Cup. He suggests that teams should bowl first if they win the toss.
Hemming explains that when a team sets a target, bowlers tend to use cross-seam deliveries. If the ball hits the shiny side, it travels quickly, while if it hits the seam, it will grip. The new ball may carry initially, but after about 10 overs, the ball will soften and the moisture on the pitch, caused by dew, will affect it. The ball will absorb moisture, particularly through the seam, which has no lacquer coating.
Historical data supports these observations, as chasing totals in night games at UAE stadiums has often been difficult. In the second phase of IPL 2021, only a few matches in Dubai saw successful chases. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, chasing teams won the majority of matches at the Dubai International Stadium. While Abu Dhabi provided a slightly better balance, dew continued to influence results.
India’s campaign starts against the UAE on September 10, and they will then face Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. With dew anticipated to be a significant factor, the outcome of the matches under lights may very well determine the winner of the Asia Cup.