By Himadullah Sohoo 
India Begin Title Defence in Style
India wasted no time stamping authority on the Asia Cup 2025, hammering United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets in Dubai. The match lasted just 106 balls in total, making it the shortest T20I India has ever played.
UAE were blown away for 57 all out in 13.1 overs, the lowest total ever recorded against India in men’s T20Is. The chase was completed in just 4.3 overs, courtesy of the explosive opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Dream Return
Back in action after warming the bench in England, Kuldeep Yadav was unplayable. His spell of 4/7 in 2.1 overs included three wickets in a single over, dismantling UAE’s middle order with deceptive flight and spin.
Supported by Shivam Dube (3/4) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/19), India’s bowling attack left UAE stunned. After a positive powerplay that saw UAE reach 41/2, they collapsed spectacularly, losing eight wickets for just ten runs.
Abhishek and Gill Light Up the Chase
India’s new opening pair—Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) and *Shubman Gill (20 off 9)**—treated the chase as a net session. They smashed boundaries at will, with Abhishek launching a falling-away six and Gill showcasing elegant flicks.
Although Abhishek fell with just 10 runs left, captain Suryakumar Yadav finished the job in style, pulling his first delivery for six. India reached 60/1 in 4.3 overs, marking their fastest T20I chase in history.
Brief Scores
UAE: 57 all out in 13.1 overs (Alishan Sharafu 22, Muhammad Waseem 19; Kuldeep Yadav 4/7, Shivam Dube 3/4)
India: 60/1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 30, Shubman Gill 20*; Junaid Siddique 1/16)
Result: India won by 9 wickets with 93 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 4/7
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq