Asia Cup 2025 produced a stunning result in Dubai as India thrashed the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in the second T20. UAE could only manage 57 runs, the lowest total ever recorded against India in T20 internationals. India then chased the target down in just 27 balls, making it the second-fastest successful run chase in T20I history. “full scorecard on ESPNcricinfo”
India breaks toss jinx
Even before the match began, there was good news for India. Captain Suryakumar Yadav finally managed to win a toss after losing 15 in a row across formats. He made the wise decision to bowl first. With Dubai offering grip for spinners and some bounce for fast bowlers, India’s attack made full use of the conditions.
UAE starts well but collapses
UAE’s innings started with promise. Alishan Sharafu struck boundaries early on, while skipper Muhammad Waseem also played confidently. By the end of six overs, UAE had reached 41/2, which looked like a platform for at least a competitive total.
However, once the openers were dismissed, everything collapsed. India’s disciplined bowling left the middle order without any answers. After 41/2, UAE collapsed to 57 all out in 13.1 overs. That was UAE’s lowest score in Asia Cup history and the lowest by any team against India in a T20 international. The dramatic dip illustrated the gap in skill as much as in temperament between both teams.
Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube’s dream spell
The showstopper was spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He took four wickets while giving away a meagre seven runs in 2.1 overs, decimating the UAE’s batting total. Kuldeep knocked out Muhammad Waseem, Chopra, and Harshit Kaushik in one electrifying over, and the UAE had no chance of recovering.
Shivam Dube, otherwise famous as a power hitter with his bat, also proved his potential as a bowler by taking 3 wickets while conceding 4 runs over two overs. Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy claimed one each, and there was no room left to resist.
Kuldeep was deservedly named Player of the Match. After the game, he reflected modestly on his performance: “I was working hard on my bowling and fitness, and tonight everything clicked…”
Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach
India’s chase of 58 runs could have been routine, but Abhishek Sharma ensured it was memorable. On the very first ball of the innings, he smashed a towering six. He followed up with more boundaries, scoring 30 runs off just 16 deliveries. His aggressive intent had been seen in his innings, which included three sixes and two fours.
Shubman Gill, at the other end, played calmly but effectively, scoring an unbeaten 20 from nine balls. When Abhishek was dismissed, Captain Suryakumar Yadav walked in and hit his very first delivery for six, sealing the match in emphatic style.
India wrapped up the chase at 60/1 in only 4.3 overs. The ease and speed of the chase underlined their dominance and secured their place in the record books.
Records rewritten in Dubai
This short but dramatic match saw several new records being created:
- Second-fastest chase in T20 internationals, with India finishing the game with 93 balls to spare — only England’s victory over Oman in 2024 was faster.
- The UAE’s 57 was the lowest T20I total against India, following New Zealand’s previous low of 66 at Ahmedabad in 2023.
- India ended their agonising run of 15 straight toss losses, ending the toss dry spell.
They gave additional meaning to a match that was notable in and of itself because of its effectiveness and dominance.
Focus shifts to Pakistan clash
India’s emphatic win now sets the stage for one of cricket’s most anticipated encounters: India versus Pakistan. The two sides will face off in Group A at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14.
India’s strategy is unlikely to change much. They will use spin to keep pressure on the ball, bowl first if at all possible, and depend on their first-order batsmen to score runs fast. Abhishek Sharma’s latest performance and Kuldeep Yadav’s strike could prove crucial in disrupting Pakistan’s batting line up.
Bowling as well as batting power gives Indians hope of succeeding more in Asia Cup
Summary of the match
- UAE: 13.1 overs, 57 all out
- 60/1 in 4.3 overs for India
- with 22 runs, Alishan Sharafu was UAE’s highest scorer.
- Top scorer (India): Abhishek Sharma, 30 runs.
- Best bowling: 4/7 by Kuldeep Yadav, 3/4 by Shivam Dube.
In conclusion
Excitation is already being generated by the Asia Cup 2025, and India’s victory over the United Arab Emirates was a combination of skill and strength. Abhishek Sharma made sure the chase was thrilling and captivating while Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling destroyed the opposition.
India did not win this match with ease. It was about breaking old habits, establishing new goals, and gaining self-assurance before more important games.The further this tournament advances, much focus now shifts ahead of this upcoming match against Pakistan, who will challenge the form and poise as much as desired
