UAE vs IND turned into a one-sided spectacle as the Men in Blue kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant nine-wicket win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav stole the show with a four-wicket haul, dismantling the UAE batting lineup and restricting them to just 57 in 13.1 overs — their lowest-ever T20I total against India.
The game began on a promising note for UAE, who raced to 25 in three overs, with Alishan Sharafu smashing three fours and a six. But Jasprit Bumrah’s pinpoint yorker removed Sharafu, sparking a collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy sent back Muhammad Zohaib, and Kuldeep Yadav’s entry after the PowerPlay sealed UAE’s fate. The wrist spinner struck thrice in a single over, removing Rahul Chopra, Muhammad Waseem, and Harshit Kaushik to leave UAE reeling.
Shivam Dube also impressed, picking up three wickets with his clever medium pace, while Axar Patel added one to the tally. Fittingly, Kuldeep took the final wicket, finishing with match figures of 4/12.
Chasing a target of 58, India made quick work of the total. Abhishek Sharma blasted a 16-ball 30, while Shubman Gill (20*) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (7*) wrapped up the game in just 4.3 overs, with 93 balls remaining — India’s biggest T20I win in terms of balls left.
This UAE vs IND clash was not just a statement win, but also a game of surprises. Sanju Samson was preferred over Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeper, Arshdeep Singh was left out, and Shivam Dube proved his value with the ball. Suryakumar’s post-match smile said it all — India are here to dominate this Asia Cup.