The defending champions India, launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a resounding nine-wicket victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai. The win showcased India’s dominance in both bowling and batting, highlighting the gulf in quality between the two sides. For a full look at the Asia Cup 2025 schedule, fixtures, and key matches, the opening clash set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
UAE started positively with their openers Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, putting up a combined 41 runs. Sharafu in particular played some impressive strokes, scoring 22 off 16 balls.
However, once Jasprit Bumrah broke the stand with a trademark yorker, UAE’s batting lineup collapsed in a heap. None of the middle-order batters could withstand India’s spin assault, and the team was bowled out for just 57 in 13.1 overs.
India’s bowling was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who produced a magical spell of 4 wickets for 7 runs, ripping through the middle order with his variations.
Shivam Dube, better known for his batting power, surprised many with the ball, claiming his career-best figures of 3/4 in 2 overs. Together, Kuldeep and Dube accounted for seven wickets, leaving the UAE clueless.
Supporting contributions came from Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy, who each chipped in with a wicket.
Chasing a modest target of 58, India’s openers made light work of the total. Youngster Abhishek Sharma smashed 30 off just 16 balls, including three sixes and two fours, setting the tone for a quick finish.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (7*) and Shubman Gill (20 off 9 balls)* ensured the chase was completed in just 4.3 overs, marking India’s fastest-ever T20I win.
With this emphatic win, India has sent a strong message to rivals like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The team’s balance between world-class bowlers and aggressive batters makes them the clear favorites to retain the Asia Cup 2025 title.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting India’s next fixture, where stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin are expected to join the squad in the later stages of the tournament. You can check the full India Asia Cup 2025 squad with standbys to see who’s in line for selection.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh
India’s nine-wicket win over the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 opener was nothing short of a statement of intent. With Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube shining with the ball, and Abhishek Sharma leading a lightning-fast chase, India look set for another strong campaign.
The victory not only boosts confidence but also highlights India’s ability to dominate opponents with both bat and ball, regardless of conditions. For cricket lovers exploring records, you can even read about how many wickets constitute a double hat-trick in cricket — a rare feat that India’s bowlers often come close to.
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