Dominant Start for Men in Blue
India launched their ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, crushing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a modest 58-run target, India sealed victory in just 4.3 overs, with 93 balls to spare.
Sharma Leads the Charge
Opener Sharma spearheaded the chase with a blistering 30 runs from 16 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes. He shared a 48-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 20 off nine balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added a quick seven not out to guide his side over the line. UAE’s only breakthrough came from Junaid Siddique, who dismissed Sharma.
UAE Collapse After Bright Start
Earlier, UAE made a brisk start with openers Alishan Sharafu and skipper Muhammad Waseem adding 26 runs. Sharafu top-scored with 22 off 17 balls before Jasprit Bumrah ended his stay with a pinpoint yorker. From 26/0, UAE suffered a dramatic collapse, losing all ten wickets for just 31 additional runs.
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 7 in 2.1 overs. Shivam Dube grabbed three wickets, while Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel chipped in with one apiece. Waseem contributed 19 runs for UAE, but no other batter reached double figures.
India’s Statement of Intent
The emphatic win not only gave India an ideal start to their Asia Cup campaign but also sent a strong message to their rivals about their form and intent in the tournament.
