India’s Dominant Start in Asia Cup 2025
India registered a thumping nine-wicket win over UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener in Dubai on Wednesday.
Suryakumar Yadav won the toss, opted to bowl first, and India skittled UAE for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the star performer with a brilliant spell of 4 for 7, spinning a web around UAE’s middle order.
Shivam Dube backed him up with three wickets for just three runs, delivering a perfect all-round bowling performance.
UAE had started steadily with Alishan Sharafu (22) and Muhammad Waseem (19) adding 41 in the powerplay.
However, once Jasprit Bumrah’s yorker dismissed Sharafu, the batting lineup collapsed dramatically against spin and pace.
Varun Chakravarthy chipped in by removing Mohammad Zohaib, and Kuldeep’s three-wicket over turned the match completely in India’s favour.
Dube cleaned up the tail with a two-over burst, leaving UAE all out with more than six overs unused.
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UAE Suffer Record-Breaking Defeat
India made light work of the chase, knocking off the target in just 4.3 overs.
This dominant finish meant India won with 93 balls to spare – a new Asian record in T20Is for a Full Member side.
They broke Sri Lanka’s previous record of 90 balls to spare against the Netherlands in 2014.
Opening batter Abhishek Sharma smashed 30 runs with aggressive stroke play, while Shubman Gill stayed unbeaten on 20.
This commanding win also ended India’s streak of 15 consecutive games without winning a toss, as Suryakumar’s decision to field paid off perfectly.
India’s batting depth wasn’t even tested as they wrapped up the game with ease, sending a strong message to other Group A opponents.
Waseem’s UAE Clash Remark Backfires
Ahead of the match, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem had stated they “wouldn’t consider the India clash a big match.”
He stressed that UAE would stick to their plans and take advantage of their home conditions in Dubai.
However, his pre-match comments resurfaced on social media after the heavy defeat, triggering sharp reactions from fans.
Kuldeep dismissed Waseem with a plumb LBW, signalling the start of UAE’s collapse in the middle overs.
Bumrah’s early breakthrough, Varun’s clever variations, and Dube’s late strikes completed UAE’s humiliation in front of a home crowd.
This defeat leaves UAE with plenty to reflect on ahead of their next group-stage clash, while India gain early momentum in the tournament.
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