5 Key Takeaways from the match

India Vs UAE: India opened their campaign with an easy win against the UAE by nine wickets in Dubai for their Asia Cup 2025 opener. UAE were bowled out for just 57 in 13.1 overs, their lowest-ever total against India in T20 internationals. 

Kuldeep Yadav led the attack with a brilliant 4 for 7, while Shivam Dube chipped in with 3 for 4 as the UAE lost eight wickets for only ten runs after a decent start in the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah bowled three overs in the powerplay for the first time since 2019 and claimed one wicket, with Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel also picking up one each.

India’s chase was the quickest in their T20I history, finished in only 4.3 overs. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, close friends since their junior cricket days, added 48 runs in under four overs before Abhishek departed for 30. 

Gill remained unbeaten on 20, while captain Suryakumar Yadav struck a six on the first ball to seal the victory. Sanju Samson retained the wicketkeeping role, while India opted for both wrist spinners and extra batting depth with Dube at No. 8. The match also ended India’s streak of 15 consecutive toss losses across formats.

5 Takeaways from the India vs UAE match

India Proves Their Dominance

India’s crushing win over the UAE showed why they entered the Asia Cup as favorites. Bowling UAE out for just 57 runs and chasing the target inside five overs was as one-sided as it gets. While the UAE was never expected to challenge India, the ease with which India won sent a strong message to the other teams that they are a cut above the rest in this tournament.

Fastest Chase in Asia Cup History

India’s chase of 58 in just 4.4 overs was the fastest successful run chase in Asia Cup history (T20 format). UAE’s score of 57 was one of their lowest-ever totals in T20 internationals and by far their worst batting display in an Asia Cup game. It showed the gap in quality between full-member nations like India and associate teams such as the UAE.

Shubman Gill’s New Approach

There were questions on whether Shubman Gill could fit into the playing 11 of the Indian team, given his reputation as a more traditional batter. However, in the first match of the Asia Cup 2025, Gill played at the strike rate of over 200. This suggests his role in the team is now to bat with complete freedom, just like the rest of the lineup.

Kuldeep Yadav in Rhythm

Kuldeep Yadav’s performance was another positive sign for India. He picked up four wickets for just seven runs and looked sharp from his very first over. Kuldeep has always been a consistent bowler, and his performance in the first of the Asia Cup showed he is mentally and technically strong.

Backing Sanju Samson

The inclusion of Sanju Samson in the playing XI was a welcome surprise. Many reports had suggested he would be left out, but the captain showed faith in him. Even though Samson did not get to open or bat high up the order, his selection gave him a huge confidence boost.

FAQs

Q. Where is the Asia Cup 2025?
A. The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE. It will be India’s first big multi-team tournament after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is.

Q. Is the Asia Cup free on Sony LIV?
A. No. To watch the Asia Cup 2025 on Sony LIV, you need to buy a subscription plan.

Q. Where can I watch the Asia Cup 2025 in India?
A. In India, matches will be shown on Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 5, and Ten 5 HD. 

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