Defending champions India made an emphatic start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, obliterating hosts United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai. After opting to bowl first, India’s bowlers crushed the UAE lineup, bundling them out for a modest 57 runs in just 13.1 overs.
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav led the assault with devastating accuracy, finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 7 runs, while all-rounder Shivam Dube added a fiery 3 for 4 to dismantle the opposition. UAEs only real resistance came from opener Alishan Sharafu, who scored 22 before the collapse set in.
Chasing just 58, India wasted little time, wrapping up the match in a mere 4.3 overs. The opening pair—Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16 balls) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 20 off 9)—gave a brilliant start, setting up a sweep-over-the-roof celebration. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the rest completed the chase with ease.
With this crushing win, India sends a loud message to the rest of the tournament: their bowling unit is in prime form, and their batting depth makes even small targets look insurmountable. UAE, on the other hand, will have plenty to reflect on before their next outing.
