India vs United Arab Emirates Highlights, Asia Cup 2025: India launch title defense in style with nine-wicket thrashing of UAE

India vs United Arab Emirates Live Score, Asia Cup 2025: India launched their Asia Cup 2025 title defense in emphatic fashion, thrashing the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 58, India raced to victory in just 4.3 overs, underscoring the gulf in class between the two sides. Abhishek Sharma provided the early fireworks with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, while Shubman Gill (20*) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (7*) completed the formalities to seal a dominant win.

Asia Cup 2025:

Earlier, India’s bowlers set up the rout by dismantling UAE for a mere 57. Kuldeep Yadav starred with a sensational spell of 4 for 7, ably supported by Shivam Dube’s 3 for 4.

Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with a wicket apiece as UAE’s batting collapsed. Opener Alishan Sharafu offered the only resistance with 22, but it wasn’t enough to prevent India from registering a crushing opening-day statement.

Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (w), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh

17:28 (IST) Sep 10

India vs United Arab Emirates Live Score: Dress rehearsal before Pakistan clash

While UAE may not pose the toughest challenge, the match carries huge significance for India.

It will serve as a dress rehearsal ahead of the marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14.

The team management is eager to test combinations that can be carried forward deeper into the tournament.

For the so-called minnows, however, this is a landmark opportunity. Facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill is rare, and the Asia Cup gives them a taste of elite international standards.

17:27 (IST) Sep 10

IND vs UAE Live Score, Asia Cup 2025: India’s all-rounder blueprint

India will once again bank on the tried and tested formula of all-rounders to provide balance as they kick off their Asia Cup campaign against hosts UAE on Wednesday.

The team management is still weighing whether to field a third spinner or a specialist pacer, but the broader strategy remains unchanged — batting depth till No. 8.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has repeatedly stressed the need for multi-skilled players, ensuring that India can cover bases in both departments without compromising stability or firepower.

India vs United Arab Emirates Live Score, Asia Cup 2025: India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a ruthless nine-wicket win over the UAE in Dubai, wrapping up the contest inside 4.3 overs. Chasing just 58, Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) and Shubman Gill (20* off 9) made light work of the target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav also unbeaten at the finish.

Asia Cup 2025: Schedule | Points Table

The foundation of the victory came from India’s bowlers, who bundled UAE out for 57 in just 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout, producing a magical spell of 4 for 7 that left the hosts clueless. Shivam Dube (3/4) impressed with his best T20I figures, while Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket each. Opener Alishan Sharafu (22) briefly resisted but fell to Bumrah’s yorker, sparking a collapse.

India’s spinners and bowlers executed their plans to perfection, highlighting the gulf in quality as the defending champions started their campaign in style.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (w), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh