he Men in Blue began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a resounding statement, dismantling hosts United Arab Emirates in a historic contest that lasted less than 100 balls. Defending champions India registered a nine-wicket victory in Dubai, chasing down a modest target in record time to announce their intent of retaining the coveted title.
After winning the toss in sweltering 38°C heat, skipper Suryakumar Yadav elected to bowl first — a decision that paid immediate dividends. UAE’s opening pair, Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem, provided a cautious start, adding 26 runs before Jasprit Bumrah’s trademark yorker sent Sharafu packing. From there, the collapse was inevitable.
India’s spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav ran through the middle order with a devastating spell of 4/7, while all-rounder Shivam Dube chipped in with a miserly 3/4, leaving the home side reeling. The UAE could muster only 57 runs, barely scraping past the half-century mark, as the Indian bowlers turned the night into a nightmare for the hosts.
In response, India made a mockery of the chase. Abhishek Sharma played a blistering knock of 30 off just 16 deliveries, setting the tone before falling to Junaid Siddique. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, true to his fearless reputation, hammered his very first ball for a six and wrapped up the target in just 28 balls — the fastest chase in men’s T20I history.
This emphatic win not only boosts India’s net run rate but also sends a strong warning to their arch-rivals Pakistan, who they face in a highly-anticipated Asia Cup blockbuster clash on Sunday. With the bowling unit firing and the top order in ominous form, India’s title defence has started in perfect fashion.