New Delhi: India made a sensational start to the Asia Cup 2025, dismantling the UAE for just 57 runs before chasing the target in a mere 4.3 overs for a commanding 9-wicket victory.
Kuldeep Yadav stole the show with a brilliant spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 7 in 2.1 overs, leaving the UAE batting line-up in tatters. Jasprit Bumrah (1/19) triggered the collapse by sending back Kerala-born Alishan Sharafu (22 off 17 balls) with a perfect yorker, setting the tone for a dramatic top-order meltdown. Varun Chakravarthy (1/4), Axar Patel (1/13), and Shivam Dube (3/4) efficiently mopped up the tail, exposing the UAE batters’ inexperience against world-class spin.
India’s batting response was clinical. Abhishek Sharma raced to 30 off 16 balls, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 from just 9 deliveries. Suryakumar Yadav contributed a quick 7 not out as India sealed the chase in just 4.3 overs. The left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh, who had bowled to Shubman Gill in his early teens, ended up conceding the winning runs to the Indian vice-captain, adding an ironic twist to the match.
The Indian bowlers executed the strategies laid out by Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav perfectly, taking advantage of the spin-friendly Dubai pitch. With such dominant performances, India has sent a strong message to other Asia Cup contenders ahead of the tournament.