India began the defence of their Asia Cup crown in ruthless fashion, brushing aside hosts United Arab Emirates with a nine-wicket win in Dubai. The reigning champions bowled out UAE for just 57 runs before storming to the target in only 4.3 overs, registering their fastest-ever chase in T20 internationals.
Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blazing 30 from 16 balls, peppering the boundaries with ease. His opening partner and close friend Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav added a steady 7 not out as India reached 60/1 in no time. The finish carried a touch of irony as Shubman Gill hit the winning runs off Simranjeet Singh, a UAE spinner who once bowled to him during his childhood practice sessions.
Earlier, it was India’s bowlers who laid the platform for the thumping win. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to field first was backed by precise execution of plans prepared with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The Dubai surface aided spin and Kuldeep Yadav made the most of it. Returning after a frustrating Test series in England where he sat out in all the five matches, the left-arm wrist-spinner delivered a devastating spell of 4 for 7 in under three overs. UAE’s inexperienced batting lineup had no answer to his guile.
He was well supported by the rest of the attack as India dismissed the hosts inside 14 overs. The gulf in quality was evident as the UAE batters struggled to read India’s spinners or handle the pressure of facing world champions.
The chase was more of a formality, resembling a short net session as India’s batters dominated from the start. For the record books, this victory broke India’s previous fastest T20I chase, which came against Australia in Ranchi in 2017. In that rain-curtailed match, India overhauled a target of 49 in 5.3 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli guiding them home.
With their campaign off to a perfect start, India will now turn their focus to bigger challenges ahead in the tournament.
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