On September 10, 2025, the Indian cricket team, led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, etched their name in the annals of T20 International (T20I) history with a jaw-dropping performance against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a match that lasted a mere 106 balls, India secured their biggest-ever T20I victory by balls remaining, crushing the hosts by nine wickets with an astonishing 93 balls to spare. This monumental win not only set the tone for India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign but also underscored their dominance in the shortest format of the game. Let’s dive into the details of this historic encounter, exploring the key moments, standout performances, and its significance in the broader context of Indian cricket.
A Clinical Display of Dominance
The match began with India winning the toss and electing to field, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. The UAE, despite coming off a promising performance in a recent tri-series, were no match for India’s relentless bowling attack. The Indian bowlers, led by the wily Kuldeep Yadav and the versatile Shivam Dube, dismantled the UAE batting lineup with surgical precision. The hosts, who started with a glimmer of hope through a 26-run opening stand, crumbled spectacularly to be bowled out for a paltry 57 runs in just 13.1 overs—the lowest T20I total UAE have ever posted against India.
Kuldeep Yadav was the architect of UAE’s downfall, delivering a spellbinding performance with figures of 4 wickets for 7 runs. His ability to generate drift and spin on the Dubai pitch left the UAE batters bamboozled, with the inexperienced middle order offering little resistance. Shivam Dube complemented Kuldeep’s heroics with an equally devastating spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 4 runs. The contributions of Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, who each claimed a wicket, ensured that UAE’s collapse was swift and comprehensive. From a promising 26-0, UAE lost 10 wickets for just 31 runs, a testament to India’s disciplined and aggressive bowling.
A Chase That Redefined Aggression
Chasing a modest target of 58, India’s batters approached the task with the intensity of a team determined to make a statement. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, turning the chase into a spectacle that lasted just 27 balls—4.3 overs. This was not just a victory; it was a demolition, marking the fastest chase in India’s T20I history and the second-fastest by a full-member team, only behind England’s 101-ball win over Oman in 2024.
Abhishek Sharma set the tone from the very first ball, launching a towering six over long-off, followed by a crisp boundary. His explosive 30 off 16 balls, studded with three sixes and two fours, was a display of fearless batting that electrified the Dubai crowd. Shubman Gill, returning to the T20I side after a year-long hiatus, played the perfect foil, remaining unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls with a calm yet authoritative presence. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who joined Gill after Abhishek’s dismissal, sealed the chase with a flicked six over fine leg, ensuring no hiccups in India’s lightning-fast pursuit. The chase was so swift that it was over before many spectators had settled into their seats, leaving UAE’s bowlers demoralized and their fans stunned.
A Record-Breaking Milestone
India’s victory against UAE was not just a win; it was a record-breaking milestone that surpassed their previous best T20I win by balls remaining—81 balls against Scotland in the 2021 T20 World Cup, also in Dubai. The 93 balls remaining in this match placed it among the most dominant performances in T20I history, with only England’s 101-ball win over Oman in 2024 standing above it among full-member teams. The match also ranks as the fourth-shortest completed T20I in terms of total balls bowled (106), behind Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka (93 balls, 2014), Oman vs. England (99 balls, 2024), and Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka (103 balls, 2021).
This victory added to India’s growing legacy of massive T20I wins. Their top five biggest wins by balls remaining now include:
93 balls vs. UAE, Dubai, 2025 (Asia Cup)
81 balls vs. Scotland, Dubai, 2021 (T20 World Cup)
64 balls vs. Bangladesh, Hangzhou, 2023 (Asian Games)
59 balls vs. UAE, Mirpur, 2016 (Asia Cup)
49 balls vs. Bangladesh, 2024
The recurrence of Dubai as the venue for two of India’s top wins (2021 vs. Scotland and 2025 vs. UAE) has cemented its status as a fortress for Indian cricket in T20Is. The team’s ability to deliver such performances across different tournaments—Asia Cup, T20 World Cup, and Asian Games—highlights their consistency and adaptability on the global stage.
Standout Performances and Sportsmanship
Beyond the raw numbers, the match showcased individual brilliance and moments of sportsmanship that added depth to India’s triumph. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-7 not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also saw him surpass Ravichandran Ashwin’s T20I wicket tally, further solidifying his status as one of India’s premier spinners. Shivam Dube’s emergence as a potent bowling option added a new dimension to India’s all-round capabilities, while the pace and guile of Bumrah, Patel, and Chakravarthy ensured there was no respite for UAE’s batters.
A heartwarming moment came during the UAE innings when captain Suryakumar Yadav withdrew an appeal for a caught-behind decision against a UAE batter, following a suggestion from wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. This act of sportsmanship was widely praised on social media and by commentators, reflecting the values of fair play that Indian cricket holds dear. It was a reminder that even in a one-sided contest, the spirit of the game remains paramount.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Asia Cup Ambitions
This emphatic victory served as a resounding statement of intent from the defending T20 World Cup champions as they began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The win not only secured two crucial points but also gave India a massive net run rate boost, which could prove decisive in the tightly contested Group A, featuring powerhouses like Pakistan and Oman. With their next match against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled for September 14, 2025, in Dubai, India’s confidence will be sky-high, and their bowlers and batters will look to carry forward this momentum.
For UAE, the match was a harsh reality check. Despite their recent form in the tri-series, their batting depth was exposed, with only openers Alishan Sharafu (22 off 17) and Muhammad Waseem (19 off 22) reaching double digits. The hosts will need to regroup quickly as they face Oman and Pakistan in their remaining group matches, with their spin attack showing some promise but needing greater support from the batting unit to compete at this level.
A Legacy of Dominance
India’s performance against UAE is a microcosm of their evolution in T20I cricket. From their early days in the format to their current status as reigning world champions, the Men in Blue have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in T20Is. Their ability to adapt to different conditions, venues, and opponents has made them a formidable force, and this record-breaking win is a testament to their depth and talent.
The contributions of young stars like Abhishek Sharma, the return of Shubman Gill, and the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav signal a bright future for Indian cricket. With veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav delivering match-defining performances, India’s blend of youth and experience is a recipe for sustained success. The Asia Cup 2025 has only just begun, but India’s opening salvo has sent a clear message to their rivals: they are here to dominate.
Looking Ahead
As India gear up for their blockbuster clash against Pakistan, the cricketing world will be watching with bated breath. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, already a venue of historic triumphs for India, could witness another chapter in their storied rivalry. For now, the Men in Blue can bask in the glory of their fastest-ever T20I chase and their biggest win by balls remaining—a performance that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in the history of the format.
India’s thrashing of UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 opener was more than just a victory; it was a statement of supremacy. With their bowlers firing on all cylinders and their batters showcasing ruthless aggression, India have set the benchmark for the tournament. As they aim to defend their Asia Cup title, this historic win will serve as a reminder of their potential to rewrite records and conquer all challenges that come their way.
