India vs UAE Asia Cup | Kuldeep magic floors UAE, sets up facile win for India

By Admin

11 Sep, 2025

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a one-sided affair as India brushed aside the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup, courtesy of a mesmerizing spell from Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist spinner produced a sensational performance, claiming four wickets for just seven runs, dismantling the UAE batting lineup and setting the stage for a nine-wicket victory for the Men in Blue.

UAE’s Bright Start Quickly Fades

The match began with a spark of hope for the UAE as opener Alishan Sharafu came out firing. Smashing three boundaries and a six in the opening overs, Sharafu’s inside-out loft over extra cover off Axar Patel was particularly eye-catching. Alongside him, Muhammad Waseem’s men looked aggressive as they raced to 25 for no loss after three overs.

However, Jasprit Bumrah soon turned the tide with a trademark fiery yorker that left Sharafu stunned, sending his stumps cartwheeling. From there, the momentum shifted decisively. Muhammad Zohaib soon followed, skying a Varun delivery into the safe hands of Kuldeep.

Kuldeep’s Game-Changing Spell

With the Powerplay done, India turned to Kuldeep Yadav and he delivered in style. In his second over, Kuldeep tore through the UAE middle order. Rahul Chopra’s big shot was caught by Gill at long-on, skipper Muhammad Waseem was trapped LBW by a quicker one, and Harshit Kaushik dragged a wrong ’un onto his stumps.

From 25 for none, the UAE collapsed spectacularly, folding for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Kuldeep fittingly claimed the final wicket of Haider Ali to complete his magical four-wicket haul.

Dube, Axar Add to UAE’s Woes

Shivam Dube also grabbed the spotlight, using the opportunity to bowl a steady spell and finishing with figures of 3 for 4 in two overs. He dismissed Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, and Junaid Siddique, ensuring there was no lower-order resistance. Axar Patel chipped in as well, trapping Simranjeet Singh LBW to add to UAE’s misery.

India’s Chase: A Walk in the Park

Chasing just 58 runs, India wasted no time. Abhishek Sharma hammered a 16-ball 30, treating the UAE bowlers with disdain, while his partner Shubman Gill calmly guided the chase. The target was wrapped up in just 4.3 overs, with Gill striking the winning runs.

A Statement Performance

By opting for Kuldeep in place of an extra pacer like Arshdeep Singh, India showed faith in their spin attack and it paid off handsomely. Suryakumar Yadav and his men demonstrated their depth, control, and dominance, sending out a strong message to the rest of the competition.

For the UAE, the promising start quickly dissolved into a harsh reality check, as the gulf in class became apparent.

Kuldeep Yadav’s artistry with the ball was the defining feature of the evening, as his “magic” floored the UAE and propelled India to an emphatic victory.