By Manvindar Singh 
Clinical India Begin Asia Cup Defence
India’s thumping nine-wicket win over UAE in Dubai set the tone for their Asia Cup 2025 defence. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was quick to hail his side’s sharpness across departments, calling it a “clinical performance” that showcased energy in the field and ruthless intent with the bat.
Winning the toss after a remarkable streak of 15 losses across formats, Suryakumar said he simply wanted to read the surface. “We thought spinners might dominate because of the heat and the slightly slower wicket. But the support from Bumrah, Hardik, and Dube was fantastic,” he explained.
Abhishek Sharma’s Growing Influence
The skipper reserved special praise for Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 30 off 16 deliveries in a rapid opening stand with Shubman Gill.
“He is a phenomenal batter, and that is the reason he is the world number one right now,” Suryakumar said. “What stands out is his team-first approach, no matter the scoreline. That’s unbelievable and inspiring.”
India’s new-look top order made light work of UAE’s 58-run target, finishing the game inside five overs, marking their quickest T20I chase ever.
UAE Acknowledge the Gap
While the scoreline suggested a gulf in class, UAE’s captain Muhammad Waseem admitted his side’s downfall came after a bright start.
“We began well as a batting unit, but losing wickets in a cluster cost us the game. India are a brilliant team. They executed plans perfectly against every batter, and that’s why they are number one,” Waseem said. “As a team, we have to come back stronger and learn from these mistakes.”
Eyes on the Big Clash
With Pakistan looming as India’s next opponent, Suryakumar stressed the excitement within the camp. “Everyone wants to play a good game. We’re really looking forward to it,” he said, hinting at a high-voltage showdown.
India’s clinical display not only ensured an early win bonus but also sent a timely message: their depth and balance remain formidable heading deeper into the Asia Cup.
Zainab Shafiq