India thrash UAE as chase ends in just 4.3 overs

India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 9-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday.

The victory came with 93 balls to spare as the Indian bowlers dismantled the hosts before the batters wrapped up the chase in quick time.

Batting first, UAE managed only 57 runs in 13.1 overs. The Indian bowlers, especially Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube, maintained relentless pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. None of the UAE batters could settle at the crease as India controlled the innings from the outset.

Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 4/7 and Shivam Dube took 3/4, while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy claimed a wicket each.

For the hosts, opener Alishan Sharafu resisted briefly with 22 runs before the innings folded.

Chasing 58, India lost opener Abhishek Sharma after a brisk 30 off 16 balls, laced with two fours and three sixes. His dismissal at 48/1 did little to slow India down.

Shubman Gill, unbeaten on 20 off nine balls, and captain Suryakumar Yadav, unbeaten on seven, ensured there were no further hiccups. India closed the chase in just 4.3 overs, finishing at 60/1.

UAE: 57 all out in 13.1 overs (Alishan Sharafu 22; Shivam Dube 3/4, Kuldeep Yadav 4/7).
India: 60 for 1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 30, Shubman Gill 20 not out; Junaid Siddique 1/16).