India could not have asked for a better start to their Asia Cup campaign, brushing aside hosts United Arab Emirates with a commanding nine-wicket win in Dubai. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was all smiles after the game, praising his team’s energy and execution. He described the performance as “clinical”, highlighting the intent his players showed both with the ball and in the chase.
The skipper’s decision to bowl first turned out to be spot on. He admitted the choice was partly to assess the conditions, knowing the surface could slow down and give the spinners a bigger role. His instincts proved right as the Indian bowlers completely dismantled the UAE batting lineup.
Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show, weaving a spell of left-arm wrist spin that the hosts had no answers for. He finished with extraordinary figures of 4 for 7, including three wickets in a single over that broke the back of the innings. Supported by Shivam Dube’s three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah’s early strike, India bowled UAE out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Only opener Alishan Sharafu who made 22 and skipper Muhammad Waseem who scored 19 showed any resistance in an otherwise disappointing effort from the hosts.
Suryakumar Yadav was quick to acknowledge Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance but also credited the entire attack for performing in tough, hot conditions. “Kuldeep did really well, but he got great support from Hardik, Dube and Bumrah,” he said, pleased with the teamwork on display.
Chasing the modest target, India wasted no time. Young opener Abhishek Sharma lit up the stadium with a fearless 30 off 16 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes with ease. His captain had high praise for him, calling Abhishek “world-class” and crediting him for setting the tone whether the target is big or small. Vice-captain Shubman Gill, calm and assured, finished unbeaten on 20, guiding India home in just 4.3 overs. Suryakumar Yadav himself was at the crease with seven not out when the winning runs were struck.
The comprehensive victory showed why India are not just defending Asia Cup champions but also the reigning T20 World Cup holders. More importantly, it set the stage for their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, a game Suryakumar Yadav said the whole team is looking forward to.
For now, India will take confidence from a performance that ticked every box — disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and fearless batting. The tournament may have only just begun but the champions have already made their intentions clear.
