By Sampurna Majumder
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and seamer Shivam Dube ran through the United Arab Emirates’ batting lineup frisked to a nine-wicket win in their Asia Cup 2025 opener on Wednesday 11. Kuldeep earned 4 for 7 with his magnificent sharp googlies and Dube scored 3 for 4, which resulted in all out for UAE by 57 in 13.1 overs which is the lowest-ever T20 total against India.
India chased down the target as if it was a child’s play and got 60 for 1 in just 4.3 overs.
Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma impressed with 30 off 16 balls and Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20.
After the victory, Gill posted on his social media with just two words “Step one.”
Despite a remarkable start from Alishan Sharafu (22) and Captain Muhammad Waseem who partnered 41 for 2 in the powerplay, the UAE still struggled to get going with the innings. Soon India’s implacable bowling took control. Bumrah dismissed Sharafu with a pinpoint yorker and Mohammad Zohaib got caught at backward point while trying to give an ambitious shot against Varun Chakravarty.
The middle order was destroyed by Kuldeep Yadav in a three-wicket over, which included a plumb leg before Waseem got out.
There was also an unusual moment on the field where Junaid Siddique found himself stumped, but the tables took a turn and it was cleared when he explained to the Indian players that he got distracted by Shivam Dube’s rag and to convey sportsmanship, India chose to withdraw for appeal.
India’s chase was clinical but after the victory, now there is the high voltage India-Pakistan clash in Asia Cup. With the hype, Shubman Gill grabbed the attention with a two-word post. The two word post went viral, fuelling fan excitement and contributing to the rise of one of the finest rivalries in cricket.
India vs Pakistan matches always carry extra weight in the India sub-continent and cricket world. There are always high emotions, big audience, lots of attention. A post from a key player like Gill is likely to be read for hidden meaning, as a signal of mindset, intent or confidence.
India now head towards their next group matches against Pakistan and debutants Oman, after making an outstanding impact in Dubai.