Kuldeep Yadav Spins India to Crushing Win Over UAE in Asia Cup Opener

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Dubai
• Sep 11, 2025
• 776

India began their Asia Cup T20 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing hosts United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai on Wednesday. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s sensational spell of 4 for 7, including three wickets in a single over, dismantled UAE for just 57 in 13.1 overs.

Electing to field first, India’s bowlers dominated from the outset. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing opener Alishan Sharafu for 22. Medium-pacer Shivam Dube (3 wickets) applied pressure before Kuldeep’s lethal spin blitz tore through the middle order, including UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem (19), the only other batter to reach double figures.

Chasing a modest target, India wasted little time. Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16 balls) launched a fiery assault with four sixes before falling, while vice-captain Shubman Gill (20)* and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (7)* completed the chase in just 4.3 overs.

The defending champions, who won the previous Asia Cup in the 50-over format in 2023, signaled strong intent ahead of their much-awaited clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. The tournament also serves as a crucial build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.