Kuldeep Yadav Spins a Web as India Dismantle UAE for 57 in Asia Cup Opener

Kuldeep Yadav Spins a Web as India Dismantle UAE for 57 in Asia Cup Opener

India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, bundling out UAE for just 57 in 13.1 overs in their tournament opener at the Dubai International Stadium. Left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with a stunning spell of 4 for 7, as the hosts collapsed spectacularly, losing 8 wickets for 10 runs after a promising start.

Coming into the match on the back of impressive outings against Pakistan and Afghanistan in a recent tri-series, UAE looked competitive early, reaching 41 for 2 by the end of the powerplay. Openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem struck six fours and a six between them, showing aggressive intent despite losing wickets.

However, the collapse that followed was nothing short of dramatic. Once Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy removed the openers, Kuldeep and Shivam Dube took over, dismantling the middle and lower order with ruthless efficiency.

Kuldeep’s Magic, Dube’s Career-Best

Kuldeep, whose inclusion had been uncertain ahead of the match, delivered a game-changing second over where he picked up three wickets — including Sharafu, Waseem, and Harshit Kaushik — all with a combination of smart variations and clever lines.

Waseem missed a sweep against Kuldeep's stock ball that straightens into the right-hander, while Kaushik was bowled through the gate by a classic wrong’un. Rahul Chopra, meanwhile, fell attempting an ambitious lofted shot over the long-on boundary, only to be caught in the deep.

Shivam Dube, chosen for his batting depth over a second frontline seamer, chipped in with 3 for 4 — his best figures in T20Is. His accurate medium-pace proved too much for UAE’s tail, even when India momentarily showed restraint. Dube could’ve had a fourth when Junaid Siddique was stumped by Sanju Samson, but in a moment of sportsmanship reminiscent of the Jonny Bairstow incident from the 2023 Ashes, India captain Suryakumar Yadav withdrew the appeal. The reprieve was short-lived — next ball, Junaid attempted a wild swing and was caught by Suryakumar at mid-off.

All Bowlers Contribute

India used six bowlers in total, with five of them picking up wickets. Bumrah, operating unusually with three overs in the powerplay, took 1 for 16. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket apiece, and even as India aimed for bowling variety, the wickets kept tumbling.

Score Summary

UAE 57 all out in 13.1 overs

  • Alishan Sharafu 22 (15)

  • Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-7-4

  • Shivam Dube 2.1-0-4-3

  • Bumrah, Varun, Axar – 1 wicket each

What was expected to be a competitive fixture turned into a one-sided affair, with India’s bowling unit flexing its depth and control. The defending champions not only claimed a dominant win but also sent a clear message to the rest of the field.

India will now look to carry this momentum into tougher assignments, while UAE will have to regroup quickly after this humbling defeat.