Kashmir, September 10, 2025 – In a commanding display of dominance, defending champions India launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a resounding nine-wicket victory over hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match, part of Group A, saw India bowl out UAE for a paltry 57 runs before chasing down the target in just 4.3 overs, setting the tone for their title defense.
UAE Collapse Under Pressure
Opting to field first after winning the toss – ending a streak of 15 consecutive losses across formats – India’s bowlers tore through the UAE batting lineup. UAE, fresh off a competitive tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan, started steadily, reaching 48/2. However, a dramatic collapse followed, with the last eight wickets tumbling for just 9 runs in under five overs.Kuldeep Yadav was the wrecking ball, claiming 4 wickets for 7 runs in 2.1 overs, including a remarkable three-wicket haul in his second over that reduced UAE from 48/2 to 50/5. All-rounder Shivam Dube supported brilliantly with 3/4, while Jasprit Bumrah (1/25) and Varun Chakravarthy (1/9) chipped in. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem top-scored with 19, but the rest of the lineup crumbled against India’s spin-heavy attack. This total marked UAE’s lowest ever against India in T20Is and the lowest in Asia Cup T20 history.
Blistering Chase Seals Rout
Requiring 58 for victory, India made light work of the target. Opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone by smashing the first ball of the innings for six, racing to 30 off 16 balls before holing out. Shubman Gill (20* off 9) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (7* off 2) then guided the team home without further loss. The chase, completed in 27 balls, was India’s quickest in T20I history and the second-shortest completed T20I involving a full-member side.Kuldeep Yadav was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell. India’s clinical performance – the entire game lasting just 106 balls – highlighted the gulf in class, serving as a stern warning to the rest of the tournament field.
Looking Ahead
This emphatic win propels India to the top of Group A, where they next face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. UAE, meanwhile, will look to regroup for their clash against Oman on September 15. With the Asia Cup 2025 underway, fans can expect high-octane action as teams vie for glory ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
