Asia Cup 2025: India Annihilate UAE in a Record-Breaking 9-Wicket Romp
In a display of sheer, unadulterated dominance, Team India sent a thunderous warning to all their rivals by dismantling the United Arab Emirates by 9 wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 opener. The match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was over in a flash, with India chasing down a paltry target of 58 in just 4.3 overs, marking their fastest-ever T20I run-chase.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. A statement built on a phenomenal bowling performance and finished with brutal, explosive batting.
UAE’s Innings: Kuldeep’s Magical Comeback Wreaks Havoc
After being put into bat by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, UAE’s innings never got off the ground. The Indian bowling unit, led by a spellbinding performance from Kuldeep Yadav, was simply unplayable.
The left-arm wrist-spinner, playing a key role after limited recent game time, was the architect of UAE’s collapse. Bowling with impeccable control and guile, Kuldeep finished with a career-best and match-winning figures of 4/14 from his 4 overs. He ripped through the UAE middle order, with batsmen having no answer to his variations. The pitch, offering a bit of assistance, became a minefield under his spell.
He was ably supported by the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who kept the pressure on from the start. UAE were bundled out for a meagre 57 runs in 16.2 overs, a total that was never going to challenge the formidable Indian batting lineup.
India’s Chase: Abhishek-Gill Bromance Ends it in a Blink
What followed was a breathtaking display of power-hitting. Opening partners Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill (rekindling their chemistry from their U-14 days) came out with one intention: to finish the game as quickly as possible.
Abhishek Sharma, the world’s number one T20 batter, was in a murderous mood. He took left-arm spinner Haider Ali to the cleaners in the very first over, smashing a six and a four to plunder 10 runs and set the tone. He raced to a blistering 30 off just 16 balls (2×4, 3×6) before holing out, his job already done.
At the other end, Gill was equally majestic, scoring a quickfire 15* off 7 balls, which included a monstrous whip over deep square leg for six. Captain Suryakumar Yadav walked in and deposited his first ball for a trademark six over fine leg to seal the record-breaking victory with a staggering 93 balls to spare.
IPL Watch: Franchise Stars Shine on the International Stage
For the IPL fans, this was a perfect showcase of why these players are so highly coveted:
- Kuldeep Yadav (Unattached?): In a massive reminder of his class ahead of the next IPL auction, Kuldeep’s magical spell was a masterclass in wrist-spin.
- Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad): His explosive start was a classic SRH powerplay onslaught. He demonstrated exactly why he’s considered the most dangerous opener in the world.
- Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans): The newly appointed vice-captain looked elegant and powerful, a reassuring sight for GT and Indian fans alike.
- Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) & Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians): Their economical and wicket-taking spells upfront strangled the UAE innings from the get-go.
Player of the Match
Kuldeep Yadav was the undeniable and deserving Player of the Match. His game-changing spell of 4/14 broke the back of the UAE batting and made the chase a mere formality.
Post-Match Reactions
- Kuldeep Yadav: “It was tough for me (not playing a lot). Was working on my bowling and my fitness… everything was going perfect (tonight). The length matters a lot, reading the batters.”
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): “Clinical performance from the boys. Wanted good energy and attitude in the field and that carried over into the batting.” On the upcoming game against Pakistan, he added, “We all are excited, everyone wants to play a good game and we are really looking forward to it.”
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE Captain): “We started well… but we lost wickets in a cluster. They (India) are a brilliant team… That is why they are the number one team.”
What’s Next?
India’s Net Run Rate has received a monumental boost, soaring above +10. The focus now immediately shifts to the marquee clash of the group stage: India vs. Pakistan. After this display, the Men in Blue will be bursting with confidence.
UAE, meanwhile, must quickly forget this nightmare and regroup for their next challenge.
Stay locked on https://iplmatchupdate.com/ for all the buildup to the epic India-Pakistan clash!
Did you expect such a dominant performance? Who was your standout performer? Let us know in the comments!
Source: ESPNcricinfo Scorecard
