The 2025 Asia Cup had commenced with a dramatic spark and the reigning T20 World Champions India, documented their serious intentions as clearly as anyone. India simply took such a stronghold in their first Group A encounter against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that it all but eliminated any doubt over their aspirations in the India vs UAE – Asia Cup 2025.
Creating the Environment
1. When & Where: The game was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The UAE is hosting the Asia Cup 2025 and Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host many games.
2. Group A Profile: India is in this group along with Pakistan, UAE and Oman. There is great anticipation for the match against Pakistan after this one.
3. Pre-match Expectations: The UAE captain said they were not fearful of India, calling them “just another team”, despite India being India’s home name (still powerful!). In comparison, India had made some bold choices with the selection of players also demonstrating confidence and authority.
Match Summary: Complete Report
UAE’s Fragile Batting Collapse
- India won the toss and chose to bowl first.
- The UAE were bowled out for just 57 runs.
Outstanding bowlers:
- Kuldeep Yadav: Explosive left-arm spin, 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His bowling dismantled the UAE batting order.
- Shivam Dube: An excellent performance with 3 wickets for 4 runs from the left-arm seamer under the influence of bowling coach Morne Morkel.
The UAE didn’t really come back; India’s bowling just dominated them.
India’s Lightning Chase
India chased down a target of 58 runs in just 4.3 overs (27 balls).
- Abhishek Sharma: Exploded with a samba for a top score of 30 runs from 16 balls. Set the tone.
- Shubman Gill: Not out 20 runs from 9 balls topped with a six that did gain attention during commentary from superstars like Wasim Akram.
- The chase was done almost before the UAE knew what was happening. India lost just one wicket and ran away with the chase.
What Worked for India
- Bowling Intelligence & Execution
India’s bowlers were relentless. Kuldeep’s spin was unplayable in patches; Dube’s variations and controlled line, helped by coaching tweaks, rattled the UAE batsmen. - Batting Dynamism
With a small target, India didn’t just want to win—they wanted to dominate. The opening pair delivered immediately. Abhishek and Gill’s aggression ensured no pressure even in a ‘low-stress’ chase. - Team Strategy & Squad Depth
The selection emphasized all-round abilities. The management backing players like Dube and prioritizing form and matchups over reputation paid off.
Implications & Bigger Picture
- Psychological edge: A quick, destroying success makes a serious statement, not only to Group A opponents (Pakistan, Oman) but everyone: India is at peak performance.
- Momentum builder: Players like Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube are given a confidence boost from this performance. They have shown they can breakdown the game and turn it.
- UAE’s lesson: The hosts will see this as a learning opportunity, about batting under pressure and dealing with quality spin and pace. UAE coach Lalchand Rajput acknowledged the massive punch India brought on the offense.
Statistical & Historical Context
India and the UAE rarely intersect in the Asia Cup / ACC tournaments, and in the three occasions they have played, India has won each time, with this newest match adding another line in their dominance. In 2016 (Men’s T20 Asia Cup), India chased 82 in 10.1 overs against the UAE.
India completed this chase (27 balls) in the fastest successful T20I chase in men’s cricket.
Next up for your viewing pleasure
- India vs Pakistan: Anticipation is high, both from a rivalry perspective and from a perspective of looking at form. If India were to reproduce a similar level of intensity, Pakistan would need to match with spin and explosiveness.
- Bowling depth: Do bowlers like Dube stay the same or build their own form? Is spin still a weapon on the pitches in the UAE?
- UAE’s bounce-back: Their next game against Oman is an opportunity to bounce back, regroup and adjust to scrutiny and pressure that is India-like. Top order fragility and spin bowling above 135km/h can be addressed again.
Concluding Thoughts
India’s first match in Asia Cup 2025 was less a match and more a declaration. With ferocious bowling, exciting top order batting, and solid team plans, they have put themselves in the perfect groove. The margin (9 wickets, chased in 4.3 overs) tells you that they are so far ahead in confidence, skill, and strategy.
For UAE, this is a setback, but the opportunity to learn is there. Being exposed to high-quality opposition often shows weakness within the team. Experience is the grade in which matches are won. For neutral fans and cricket statisticians, they hit a jackpot: rare dominance, fastest chase, and players performing.