India began their Asia Cup campaign with a strong performance, defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets after dismissing them for 57 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were the chief architects of the UAE’s collapse, taking seven wickets between them.
Kuldeep’s fast turn and clever googlies made him almost unplayable, and he finished with an impressive 4 for 7. Dube backed him up with disciplined seam bowling, taking 3 for 4 as UAE folded in 13.1 overs, their lowest T20 total against India.
Jasprit Bumrah, returning to T20Is following the World Cup, struck early with his trademark yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu. Varun Chakravarthy also chipped in with a wicket. Despite the UAE’s steady start, with Sharafu (22) and captain Muhammad Waseem (19) combining 41 in the Powerplay, Kuldeep’s triple strike in one over changed the game dramatically.
India’s response was prompt and clinical. Abhishek Sharma unleashed a blistering attack, hitting three sixes and two fours in his 16-ball 30 before holing out. Shubman Gill stayed unbeaten on 20 and led India to victory in just 4.3 overs.
India now tops Group A, which includes Pakistan and debutants Oman, paving the way for high-voltage clashes ahead.
