Dubai: India started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive. India’s bowling attack ran through the UAE line-up, bundling them out for a paltry 57 in just 13.1 overs.
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the star, claiming 4 for 7, while medium pacer Shivam Dube contributed a brilliant three-wicket haul. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket each, leaving UAE’s batting in tatters. Only two batters reached double figures as the visitors’ innings collapsed under pressure from India’s experienced attack.
A dominating show with the bat! 💪
A 9⃣-wicket win for #TeamIndia after chasing down the target in 4.3 overs. 👏👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Bmq1j2LGnG#AsiaCup2025 | #INDvUAE pic.twitter.com/ruZJ4mvOIV
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 10, 2025
The chase was a mere formality for the Men in Blue. Opener Abhishek Sharma provided a blazing start, scoring 30 off just 16 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes. He shared a 48-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 20.
Gill finished the match with an elegant boundary as India completed the chase in just 4.3 overs, boosting their Net Run Rate significantly.
The victory highlighted India’s preparedness and confidence heading into the tournament, particularly with a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan looming. Suryakumar Yadav’s team combined clinical bowling with aggressive, fearless batting to underline why they are considered favourites for the trophy.
