India commenced their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday. The match was marked by India's exceptional bowling performance, which saw them dismiss the hosts for a record low total, and a swift chase that broke several records.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that ended a 15-match losing streak at the toss, India's bowlers immediately took control. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy struck early, restricting UAE to 41/2 in the powerplay. Kuldeep Yadav then ripped through the UAE's batting order, claiming three wickets in a single over. He finished with impressive figures of 4/7, while Shivam Dube contributed with 3/4. Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket. Only Alishan Sharafu (22) and captain Muhammad Waseem (19) managed to reach double figures for the UAE. The UAE were eventually bowled out for just 57 in 13.1 overs. This is the lowest total ever scored against India in T20Is, surpassing New Zealand's 66 in Ahmedabad in 2023. It is also the second-lowest total in Asia Cup history.
Chasing a modest target of 58, India completed the chase in just 4.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma provided the early impetus with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, including a first-ball six. Shubman Gill, returning to the T20I side, remained unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with a six. India's victory was achieved with 93 balls to spare, the second-largest victory in T20I history by balls remaining involving a full-member side. It was also the fourth-shortest T20I match involving a full-member side, lasting just 106 deliveries. This is the fewest balls India has needed to complete a successful chase in T20I cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance. India's next match is against Pakistan.
The match also saw India end a streak of losing 15 consecutive tosses across all formats. Suryakumar Yadav, who last won a toss for India in January, called correctly and chose to bowl. There was speculation about Sanju Samson's place in the team, but he was included in the playing XI and kept wickets.
