India launched their Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 9-wicket victory over the UAE, thanks to a dramatic batting collapse by the opposition and exceptional bowling from Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube.
The 40-over contest ended in just 17.4 overs, wrapping up in under two hours—a clear reflection of India’s dominance. UAE were bowled out for 57 runs in 13.1 overs, losing 8 wickets for just 10 runs at one stage, before India chased down the target in only 4.3 overs.
This was UAE’s lowest-ever T20I score, breaking their previous record of 62 against Scotland on the same ground last year. In Asia Cup history, only Hong Kong’s 38 vs Pakistan in 2022 was lower.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show, taking 4 wickets for just 7 runs to win Player of the Match. Shivam Dube provided excellent support, grabbing 3 wickets for 4 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel picked up one each.
Among UAE’s batters, only Alishan Sharafu (22) and Muhammad Waseem (19) managed to reach double figures.
Chasing a modest target, Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, including two sixes and three fours. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls, and Suryakumar Yadav finished it off with a first-ball six. India reached 60/1 in just 27 deliveries.
Brief Scorecard
- UAE: 57 all out in 13.1 overs (Sharafu 22, Waseem 19; Kuldeep 4/7, Dube 3/4)
- India: 60/1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek 30, Gill 20*; Junaid 1/16)
Result: India won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav
