The upcoming Asia Cup 2025, hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, is poised to be significantly influenced by dew, particularly during night matches. Tony Hemming, a former Dubai curator with extensive experience preparing pitches in the UAE, highlights that batting conditions improve in the evening because of heavy dew accumulation. The Gulf region’s high humidity in September, coupled with falling temperatures, leads to significant dew, which makes the ball slick and difficult for bowlers to grip and swing. Robin Singh, who has served as a former India all-rounder and UAE head coach, agrees, stressing that dew will play a critical role in the Asia Cup this year. He suggests that teams winning the toss should choose to bowl first.
Hemming explained that when a team sets a score, the bowlers often use cross-seam deliveries. If the ball hits the shiny side, it travels fast, while the seam will cause it to grip. Initially, the new ball might carry, but after about ten overs, the ball softens and becomes harder to control because of dew on the pitch. The ball absorbs moisture, particularly through the seam, as the seam lacks the protective lacquer coating.
Historical results support this. Chasing totals in night games in the UAE has proven challenging. In the second phase of IPL 2021, only a few matches played in Dubai saw successful chases. Similarly, in the 2021 T20 World Cup, teams chasing won most of the matches at the Dubai International Stadium. While Abu Dhabi provided a more balanced playing field, dew continued to affect outcomes there as well.
India is scheduled to play its first match against the UAE on September 10, followed by a match against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. The influence of dew could be a decisive factor for who lifts the Asia Cup trophy.