India crush UAE by nine wickets as bowlers run riot in Dubai — Asia Cup match report
Dubai, Sep 10 — India opened their Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, running through hosts United Arab Emirates to record a nine-wicket victory that underlined the balance and depth of the touring side. UAE were skittled for just 57 in 13.1 overs and India completed a short, clinical chase of 60 for 1 in 4.3 overs, leaving little doubt about which team dictated terms at the Dubai International Stadium.
From the outset the contest tilted in India’s favour. The UAE innings never found traction as India’s bowling attack combined accuracy, variation and relentless pressure to prevent any meaningful partnerships. The scoreboard picture was bleak for the hosts: 57 all out, a total that reflected regular breakthroughs and the inability of the middle and lower order to withstand the probing bowling. The Indian unit made full use of the conditions, with discipline in the field and early strikes ensuring that the match never drifted away from their control.
Chasing a target of 58, India made light work of the task with a blend of aggression and composure at the top. Abhishek Sharma led the charge, producing a brutal cameo of 30 from just 16 balls that included two fours and three sixes. His quickfire assault effectively ended any suspense, and when he departed at 48 for 1 in the fourth over it did little to slow India’s momentum. The wicket was taken by Junaid Siddique, who finished India’s chase bowling with the only wicket to his name as Haider Ali claimed the catch. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 from nine deliveries and captain Suryakumar Yadav finished not out on seven, guiding India across the line with 15.3 overs to spare.
The numbers from the scorecard capture the brevity of the evening: UAE 57 all out (13.1 overs); IND 60 for 1 (4.3 overs). Extras during India’s chase were limited to three wides, reflecting the hosts’ struggle to contain India and the visitors’ clinical finishing. The fall of India’s sole wicket — Abhishek Sharma c Haider Ali b Junaid Siddique — came with the score at 48-1 in the 3.5 over, by which time the match was already effectively over.
Beyond the headline figures, this result carries immediate implications for both teams. For India, the victory provides not just two points but a healthy boost to net run rate — a critical metric in short-group tournaments — and a confidence injection for squad players who contributed meaningfully with both ball and bat. For UAE, the loss is a reality check about the gulf that can exist when facing a top-tier bowling attack; it will force the hosts to reassess batting approaches against high-quality pace and spin and to find greater middle-order resilience for the matches ahead.
Tactically, India’s success came from a balanced attack that mixed pace with spin to good effect. The visitors were ruthless at breaking partnerships and applying scoreboard pressure, a template that should serve them well as the tournament progresses. The batting approach on display during the chase — quick, aggressive starts from the openers followed by measured finishing — is exactly the kind of response expected from a side frequently touted as favourites.
From a narrative perspective, the match offered clear talking points: Abhishek Sharma’s explosive cameo at the top of the order, Shubman Gill’s calm finishing under minimal pressure, and India’s overall bowling discipline that left the hosts with too few runs and too little time to mount a reply. While the result was one-sided, the manner of execution — clinical, efficient and team-oriented — will be encouraging for India’s camp and worrying for rival teams in Group A.
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