On September 10, 2025, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling as India’s Kuldeep Yadav delivered a near-record-breaking performance in the Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The left-arm wrist-spinner’s exceptional spell of 4 wickets for 7 runs in just 2.1 overs spearheaded India’s demolition of the hosts, who crumbled to a paltry 57 all out in 13.1 overs—their lowest-ever T20I total and the second-lowest in Asia Cup T20 history. This resounding nine-wicket victory not only marked India’s fastest-ever T20I chase but also showcased the depth and dominance of the defending T20 World Cup champions. This article delves into Kuldeep’s brilliance, India’s clinical performance, and the implications of this match for the Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Spellbinding Performance
Kuldeep Yadav, returning to T20I cricket after over a year, proved why he is regarded as one of India’s premier spinners. His figures of 4/7 are the second-best in Asia Cup T20 history, falling just short of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 5/4 against Afghanistan in 2022. Introduced in the seventh over after the powerplay, Kuldeep initially went wicketless but struck gold in his second over, claiming three wickets in a single over to dismantle UAE’s middle order. His victims included UAE captain Muhammad Waseem (19), Rahul Chopra (2), and Harshit Kaushik (2), with his final wicket being Haider Ali (1), wrapping up the innings.
Kuldeep’s ability to generate drift and spin on the Dubai pitch left the UAE batters clueless. His trademark wrong’un bowled Kaushik through the gate, while Waseem fell attempting a risky sweep against a stump-to-stump delivery. Chopra’s ambitious lofted shot was caught at long-on, highlighting Kuldeep’s knack for inducing false strokes. With an economy rate of 3.20, Kuldeep’s spell was a testament to his skill and control, especially on a pitch that offered assistance to spinners. His performance not only justified his selection over Arshdeep Singh but also underscored India’s strategic decision to field an extra spinner, a move orchestrated by captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir.
India’s Bowling Dominance
While Kuldeep stole the show, India’s bowling attack was a collective force of destruction. Shivam Dube, often seen as a batting all-rounder, delivered career-best T20I figures of 3/4 in two overs, mopping up the UAE tail with his medium pace. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone early with a pinpoint yorker to dismiss opener Alishan Sharafu (22), who had shown promise with three boundaries and a six. Varun Chakravarthy (1/4) and Axar Patel (1/13) complemented Kuldeep’s spin wizardry, ensuring UAE had no respite. India’s use of six bowlers, five of whom took wickets, highlighted their depth and versatility.
The UAE innings began promisingly, with Sharafu and Waseem posting 41/2 in the powerplay. However, once Bumrah broke through, the collapse was swift, with UAE losing their last eight wickets for just 10 runs. The hosts’ total of 57 is now the lowest T20I score against India, surpassing New Zealand’s 66 in Ahmedabad in 2023. This capitulation also marked the second-lowest total in Asia Cup T20 history, with Hong Kong’s 38 against Pakistan in 2022 holding the unwanted record.
A Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing a modest 58, India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill made light work of the target, completing the chase in just 4.3 overs with a nine-wicket victory. This marked India’s fastest-ever T20I chase, surpassing their previous best of 49 in 5.3 overs against Australia in 2017. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with an unbeaten 7 off 2 balls, sealing the chase with a boundary.
The chase was a stark contrast to UAE’s batting woes, with India’s openers attacking from the outset. Abhishek’s aggressive intent was evident as he smashed left-arm spinner Haider Ali for a six and a four in the same over. Even after his dismissal, caught off Junaid Siddique, Gill ensured there were no hiccups, finishing the game with 93 balls to spare—one of the largest margins of victory for a full-member side in T20Is. This dominant performance boosted India’s net run rate, giving them a significant advantage in Group A.
Strategic Masterstroke by Suryakumar Yadav
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a masterstroke. Breaking a 15-match streak of losing tosses in international cricket, Suryakumar’s choice was influenced by the humid conditions and the possibility of dew later in the evening. Opting for an extra spinner over a second frontline pacer, India’s bowling strategy was tailored to exploit the Dubai pitch’s spin-friendly nature. The inclusion of Kuldeep, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, alongside Dube’s medium pace, provided a balanced attack that overwhelmed UAE’s inexperienced batting lineup.
Suryakumar’s leadership was further highlighted by a moment of sportsmanship. When UAE’s No. 10, Junaid Siddique, was stumped by Sanju Samson, India withdrew the appeal, allowing him to continue. However, Siddique fell next ball, caught by Suryakumar himself, underscoring India’s dominance even in moments of generosity.
UAE’s Struggles and Context
For UAE, the match was a harsh reality check. Despite a promising start, with Sharafu and Waseem scoring freely in the powerplay, their middle and lower order lacked the technique to counter India’s spin-heavy attack. Only Sharafu (22) and Waseem (19) reached double figures, with no other batter crossing five runs. UAE’s total of 57 was their lowest in T20Is and a significant setback after their encouraging performances in a recent tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The defeat highlighted the gulf in class between the associate nation and the T20 World Cup champions. UAE’s batters struggled to read Kuldeep’s variations, and their aggressive approach against spin led to low-percentage shots that cost them dearly. The Dubai International Stadium, known for high-scoring encounters, offered no respite to the hosts, who now face an uphill battle in the tournament.
Implications for Asia Cup 2025
India’s emphatic victory sets the tone for their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, where they are defending champions after winning the 50-over format in 2023. The match against UAE served as a perfect warm-up, allowing India to fine-tune their strategies ahead of their blockbuster clash against Pakistan on September 14. Kuldeep’s return to form is a massive boost, especially with the T20 World Cup looming in 2026. His ability to dominate on spin-friendly pitches could prove crucial against stronger opponents.
The performance also highlighted India’s squad depth. With players like Arshdeep Singh left out and Dube stepping up with the ball, India showcased their flexibility. The spin trio of Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar is likely to trouble other teams, while Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting adds firepower to the top order. For UAE, the loss exposes their vulnerabilities, and they will need to regroup quickly to compete in a tough group.
Kuldeep’s Record-Breaking Feat
Kuldeep’s 4/7 not only dismantled UAE but also saw him surpass Ravichandran Ashwin in the record books for India’s best bowling figures in Asia Cup T20 history. His performance was lauded across social media, with fans and analysts praising his comeback after warming the bench during India’s Test series in England earlier in 2025. Posts on X highlighted his impact, with the Asian Cricket Council noting his exceptional drift and spin.
The match, lasting just 106 balls, ranks among the shortest completed T20Is, with India’s dominance evident in every facet. The records set—lowest T20I total against India, second-lowest in Asia Cup T20, and India’s fastest chase—underscore the one-sided nature of the contest.
Looking Ahead
Kuldeep Yadav’s near-record-breaking spell was the cornerstone of India’s crushing victory over UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 opener. His 4/7, combined with Dube’s 3/4 and a clinical batting display, highlighted India’s superiority and set a formidable tone for their title defense. As UAE lick their wounds after sinking to a new low, India’s focus shifts to their high-stakes encounter against Pakistan. With Kuldeep in such devastating form, India’s opponents will be wary of the spin threat awaiting them in Dubai.
