The Asia Cup 2025 produced its first truly one-sided affair as India registered a dominant victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Thursday. In what turned out to be the shortest successful chase in India’s cricketing history, the Men in Blue needed just 4.3 overs to overhaul UAE’s modest target of 59. The emphatic nine-wicket win set the tone for India’s tournament and underlined their status as early favorites.
Toss and Team Strategy
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and made a straightforward decision to bowl first. The pitch had a slight green tinge, the evening breeze promised swing, and India’s strong bowling attack was always going to test UAE’s relatively inexperienced batting line-up.
The decision immediately paid off as India’s bowlers delivered with discipline, aggression, and a touch of flair.
UAE Batting Strugling
From the very first over, UAE’s batting was under immense pressure. Openers Muhammad Waseem and Chirag Suri tried to see off the new ball but found no rhythm against India’s pace and spin combination.
The breakthrough came early, with Shivam Dube dismissing Waseem for just 5 runs. From there, wickets fell in clusters. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, weaving his magic with flight and turn. The left-arm wrist spinner claimed 4 wickets for just 10 runs, leaving UAE’s middle order clueless.
Dube supported him brilliantly with 3 for 14, exploiting the conditions with clever variations. The rest of the attack was equally tight, ensuring no easy runs were on offer.
In just 15.2 overs, UAE collapsed to 58 all out. The innings had no real partnership, and none of their batters looked settled at the crease. The highest scorer was Alishan Sharafu with 14, while the rest barely crossed single digits.
India’s Explosive Reply
A chase of 59 was always going to be a formality, but India decided to make it an occasion. Opening the innings, Abhishek Sharma walked out alongside Shubman Gill. On the very first ball, Abhishek set the tone by dispatching a length delivery over long-on for a towering six.
His positive intent was a treat for the crowd, as he raced to 30 runs off just 16 deliveries, striking boundaries at will. Though he was dismissed attempting another big hit, Abhishek had already ensured there was no room for nerves.
From there, Gill and captain Surya Kumar Yadav guided India to the target with ease. Gill finished unbeaten on 17, while Surya added 10 not out. The pair calmly pushed India across the line in 4.3 overs, bringing up the fastest chase in the country’s history.
Scorecard
UAE Innings – 58 all out (15.2 overs)
- Alishan Sharafu – 22 (17)
- Muhammad Waseem – 19 (22)
Bowling – India
- Kuldeep Yadav – 4/07 (4 overs)
- Shivam Dube – 3/04 (3.0 overs)
India Innings – 60/1 (4.3 overs)
- Abhishek Sharma – 30 (16)
- Shubman Gill – 20* (9)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 7* (7)
Result: India won by 9 wickets.
Record Books Rewritten
The chase in 4.3 overs was India’s fastest in international cricket history, surpassing previous benchmarks. For a side preparing for tougher assignments later in the tournament, the game also served as the perfect warm-up.
Kuldeep Yadav’s performance was another highlight. His spell of 4/10 was a reminder of why he is such a potent weapon in Asian conditions. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma’s fearless hitting at the top of the order gave fans a glimpse of India’s next generation ready to shine on the big stage.
Post-Match Reactions
Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his bowlers in the post-match presentation:
“The bowlers set the tone beautifully. Kuldeep was outstanding, and Dube showed great rhythm. It was important to start the tournament well, and we couldn’t have asked for a better performance.”
Kuldeep, named Player of the Match, highlighted the assistance from the surface:
“There was just enough grip for me to attack. I focused on bowling slower through the air and letting the pitch do the work. Happy to contribute to the team’s win.”
What This Win Means
For India, the victory was more than just two points on the table. It was a statement of intent. The Asia Cup has often been a stage where momentum matters, and this ruthless dismantling of UAE will certainly boost India’s confidence.
For UAE, it was a tough outing, but the experience of facing a world-class side could be invaluable for their growth. Their bowling unit showed glimpses of discipline, but their batting collapse left them with little chance of competing.
Looking Ahead
India will now shift focus to their next group game, which promises to be a sterner test against one of the region’s heavyweight teams. For fans, the manner of this win only raises anticipation of what lies ahead in the tournament.
With records broken, young stars making their mark, and bowlers firing in unison, India could not have scripted a better start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
