At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India easily defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets to begin their 2025 Men’s Asia Cup campaign. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill finished a modest chase in 27 balls.

Abhishek (30) and Gill (20 not out) dominated the UAE bowling attack with a variety of brilliant shots, making the chase easy after Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were instrumental with the ball, picking 4-7 and 3-4 as India cleaned out the UAE for just 57.

Together with captain Suryakumar Yadav (seven not out), the two made sure that India had their fastest chase in men’s T20I history, finishing the contest far earlier than expected with just 4.3 overs and providing themselves a huge gain in net run rate.

India, the current T20 World Cup champions, won with a resounding victory, surpassing their previous record of completing the chase in 6.3 overs against Scotland at the 2021 Men’ T20 World Cup, which was also held in Dubai.

It was a memorable evening for the UAE. Their bowlers had no solutions to halt a raiding Abhishek, Gill, and Suryakumar, while their batting was unable to match the caliber and tenacity of India’s bowling lineup.

In order to give the Indian squad a decisive victory, Gill went on the defensive to draw Simranjeet Singh beyond mid-on for four, while Suryakumar got off to his usual swish over fine leg for six.

Brief Scores:
UAE 57 in 13.1 overs (Alishan Sharafu 22, Muhammad Waseem 19; Kuldeep Yadav 4-7, Shivam Dube 3-4)
India 60/1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 30, Shubman Gill 20 not out; Junaid Siddique 1-16)