India got off to a handsome start to the Asia Cup 2025 as they annihilated United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets in their campaign opener at the Dubai International stadium on September 10, Wednesday.
Batting first, UAE collapsed to a total of just 57 runs in 13.1 overs, which is the second-lowest total in Asia Cup history, with the record still held by Hong Kong, who were dismissed for 38 by Pakistan in 2022. The 57-run total also became the lowest-ever T20I score against India, breaking the previous record of 66 set by New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2023.
In reply India overhauled the lowly target in just 4.3 overs to record the fastest chase in the Men's T20I by overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's 16-ball 30, nine-ball 20 and Suryakumar Yadav's two-ball seven.
Fastest chase by India in Men's T20I ( by overs):
4.3 overs v U.A.E, Today
6.3 overs v SCO, Dubai 2021
9.2 overs v BAN, Hangzhou 2023
Talking about UAE's annihilation, despite a promising start where they were 26 without loss in the fourth over, their innings fell apart completely. The collapse began when Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Alishan Sharafu. From there, the team couldn't recover, showing no significant resistance to India's powerful bowling attack.
Only two UAE batsmen managed to reach double figures: Alishan Sharafu, who top-scored with 22 runs, and captain Muhammad Waseem, who contributed 19. The rest of the team failed to make a meaningful contribution. India’s bowlers were in dominant form, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets for just seven runs and Shivam Dube claiming three wickets for four runs. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy each chipped in with one wicket.
India will next face Pakistan on September 14 while UAE will take on Oman on September 15.