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| Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav celebrates with captain Suryakumar Yadav after taking wicket against United Arab Emirates during their Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Septemeber 10, 2025. — ACC |
India Crush UAE with Record Nine-Wicket Victory in Asia Cup 2025
India captain Suryakumar Yadav and UAE's Muhammad Waseem at the toss for their ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on September 10, 2025. — Geo SuperIndia decided to bowl first after winning toss against the United Arab Emirates in the...
India made a thumping statement in their opening game of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 with a crushing nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The former champions barely broke a sweat as they hunted down a modest 58-run target in just 4.3 overs, giving themselves a healthy net run rate (NRR) boost early in the tournament.
A Commanding Chase Led by Rohit Sharma
India’s chase was never going to be a daunting task, but Rohit Sharma ensured it was completed in emphatic fashion. The left-handed opener smashed a fiery 30 off just 16 balls, peppered with two fours and three towering sixes.
Sharma’s aggression not only put UAE on the back foot but also thrilled the Indian supporters in the stands, many of whom turned up in large numbers to witness the highly anticipated Asia Cup fixture. His quick runs virtually sealed the game inside the first few overs.
Alongside him, Shubman Gill played a brisk knock, finishing unbeaten on 20 off nine balls, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with seven not out. India reached 60/1 with a massive 93 balls remaining, completing one of the fastest chases in Asia Cup history.
UAE’s only consolation was Junaid Siddique’s dismissal of Sharma, but by then, India were only a few hits away from victory.
UAE’s Promising Start Ends in Collapse
Earlier in the day, UAE had shown early promise with the bat. Openers Alishan Sharafu and captain Muhammad Waseem got their side off to a brisk start, adding 26 runs in quick time. Sharafu played fearlessly, hitting three boundaries and a six in his 22 off 17 balls.
But India’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Jasprit Bumrah, with his trademark precision, produced a lethal yorker to dismiss Sharafu. The breakthrough opened the floodgates as Varun Chakravarthy removed Muhammad Zohaib in the following over.
Waseem tried to anchor the innings with a patient 19 off 22 balls, but his departure triggered a dramatic collapse. UAE went from 48/4 to 57 all out, losing six wickets for just nine runs in a span of a few overs.
Kuldeep Yadav – The Star with the Ball
India’s bowling attack was ruthless, with Kuldeep Yadav standing out as the wrecker-in-chief. The left-arm spinner ran through the lower order, finishing with staggering figures of 4/7 in 2.1 overs. His control and variations left UAE’s batters clueless.
Shivam Dube also made a big impact, claiming three wickets with his clever changes of pace. Meanwhile, Bumrah, Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel picked up one wicket apiece.
The collective effort ensured UAE were bowled out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs — one of the lowest team totals in Asia Cup history.
India’s Captain Suryakumar Yadav on the Win
Speaking after the game, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised his team’s all-round performance. He emphasized that starting the tournament with such a convincing win would boost the squad’s confidence heading into tougher matches.
“A win like this sets the tone for the tournament. The bowlers did an outstanding job and the batters finished it off with intent. Every player knows their role, and that clarity is helping us play fearless cricket,” Yadav said at the post-match presentation.
UAE Left Searching for Positives
For UAE, the match was a reality check. While their openers showed glimpses of resistance, the lack of depth in their batting lineup was exposed against India’s world-class bowling.
Captain Muhammad Waseem admitted that his side needed to show more discipline under pressure. “We started well but could not build partnerships. Against a team like India, you cannot afford to lose momentum. We’ll take the lessons and come back stronger in the next game,” he said.
A Crucial Boost for India’s Asia Cup Campaign
The result was more than just two points for India — it was a statement of intent. The net run rate advantage gained from such a comprehensive win could prove decisive in the later stages of the Asia Cup 2025, especially if qualification scenarios come down to margins.
With their bowling firing on all cylinders and batters in aggressive form, India will enter their next matches brimming with confidence. The team’s balance, with a mix of experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah alongside young stars like Shubman Gill, looks formidable.
Historical Context – India’s Asia Cup Legacy
India are no strangers to dominating performances in the Asia Cup. With multiple titles under their belt, they remain one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history. Wednesday’s commanding victory adds another chapter to their legacy of dominance in regional cricket.
Fans will now eagerly await their clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, a fixture that always grabs headlines and promises high-intensity cricket regardless of form or conditions.
Key Takeaways from the Match
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India’s bowling unit dismantled UAE with precision, restricting them to 57 all out.
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Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with four wickets for just seven runs.
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Rohit Sharma’s explosive knock ensured India chased down the target in only 4.3 overs.
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The win gave India an early net run rate advantage, boosting their chances of progressing smoothly.
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UAE’s batting collapse highlighted their struggle against top-tier opposition despite a promising start.
What’s Next for India?
India’s next challenge in the Asia Cup 2025 will come against stronger opposition, where they will need to sustain their momentum. Their clinical performance against UAE sets the stage for bigger clashes ahead, particularly the much-anticipated face-off with Pakistan.
With batting depth, a lethal bowling attack, and a confident skipper, India look well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.
Conclusion
India’s nine-wicket thrashing of UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 was a perfect start to their campaign. From Kuldeep Yadav’s magical spell to Rohit Sharma’s explosive batting, the team showcased complete dominance in all departments.
For fans, this win was more than just two points — it was a sign that India are here not just to compete, but to reclaim the Asia Cup crown. As the tournament heats up, their rivals will be wary of the sheer authority with which India dispatched UAE.