India’s Swift Victory Over UAE: Kuldeep and Dube Dominate Asia Cup Clash

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In what was an ideal way to brush off the cobwebs for a team that hadn’t played in this format for over seven months, India eased into action without breaking a sweat in the sweltering heat. The team further endeared itself to the enthusiastic crowd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, successfully using its entire bowling lineup despite dismissing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in just 13.1 overs.

The duo from Punjab, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, needed only 4.3 overs to chase down UAE’s total of 57, with Abhishek quickly taking 10 runs off the first two deliveries to bring the match to an early conclusion.

However, the most resounding cheers from the half-filled stadium were reserved for Kerala’s Sanju Samson. His inclusion in the playing XI was met with a wave of applause that resounded through the azure sky and around the iconic Ring of Fire, which gives the venue its unique glow.

SCORECARD | IND VS UAE ASIA CUP

Despite an otherwise flawless performance, Hardik Pandya’s 10-run first over suggested that UAE might put up a good fight, but Jasprit Bumrah quickly dispelled those doubts. He took out UAE’s top-scorer, Alishan Sharafu, with a 140 kmph yorker that knocked the off-stump out of the ground. Bumrah did show a hint of rust, as evidenced by two full tosses and a short ball outside off-stump in the final PowerPlay over, which allowed UAE captain Muhammad Waseem to hit three boundaries.

Nonetheless, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy validated India’s choice to rely heavily on spin, following a pitch that seemed deceivingly green. Together, they claimed five wickets for just 11 runs in 4.1 overs, drawing significant grip and turn to dispel any concerns about the pitch’s spin-friendly nature.

Shivam Dube also proved to be an effective wicket-taker, claiming three dismissals, even though the opposition’s batting wasn’t of the highest quality. While fans of Sanju Samson didn’t get to see him bat, his quick reflexes were highlighted by his diving catch to dismiss hard-hitter Asif Khan and by leaving Junaid Siddique stranded outside his crease.

AS IT HAPPENED | IND vs UAE HIGHLIGHTS ASIA CUP

Siddique had stepped out to complain to the umpire about Dube’s towel falling during his run-up, potentially disrupting his focus. Samson, seizing the moment, dislodged the bails. The third umpire ruled him out, yet Suryakumar Yadav, showing sportsmanship, invited Siddique back despite his lapse in judgment.

Ultimately, Siddique’s stay was brief as, moments later, he offered a catch at mid-on to Suryakumar, who gladly accepted it. Although Suryakumar pointed accusingly at the lighting system, known to distract fielders, it was of little consequence.

India will face more formidable challenges in the upcoming weeks, especially against Pakistan on Sunday, but beginning with such clinical precision and efficiency is always a good strategy.

Published on Sep 10, 2025