India began their Asia Cup 2025 title defense with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over hosts UAE, a match that will be remembered not just for its one-sided nature but for the sensational comeback of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Having spent most of the England tour on the bench, Kuldeep showed no signs of rust as he returned to the T20I side and delivered a performance that became the central talking point, shattering a long-standing seven-year jinx in the process. His wizardry with the ball proved far too much for a hapless UAE lineup, securing a momentous personal milestone and setting the tone for India’s campaign.
Kuldeep Yadav breaks a 7-year long jinx with his destructive bowling against UAE in Asia Cup 2025
The much-anticipated Asia Cup opener at the Dubai International Stadium became a stage for Kuldeep’s masterful return. He had been longing for a chance to play in the format after his last T20I appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The moment finally arrived, and Kuldeep seized it with relish, running through the UAE middle order with a devastating spell. He finished with stunning figures of 4/7 in just 2.1 overs, dismantling the hosts for a mere 57 runs. This remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Match award, his first in T20 internationals after a monumental gap of seven years.
His previous award came way back in 2018, when he took three wickets in India’s victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens. Kuldeep’s heroics were not just about breaking a jinx; they were a testament to his class and India’s incredible squad depth. His four-wicket haul allowed him to leapfrog Ravichandran Ashwin on the list of most T20I wickets by an Indian spinner away from home, reaching the milestone of 50 wickets in the format.
Team India hammers UAE in Abu Dhabi with a crushing 9-wicket win in their Asia Cup 2025 opener
While Kuldeep was the standout performer, he was ably supported by other bowlers. All-rounder Shivam Dube also delivered a career-best performance, taking 3 for 4 in just two overs, proving his own value with the ball. The combined effort saw the UAE collapse from 47/2 to 57 all-out, losing eight wickets for the final 10 runs. With Kuldeep and Dube’s form, the team management now faces a pleasant selection dilemma, which only adds to their formidable strength.
India’s dominance extended beyond the bowling attack as they cruised to the target in a mere 4.3 overs, setting a new record for their fastest-ever chase in T20Is. The match also saw a unique moment of sportsmanship when Suryakumar Yadav withdrew a run-out appeal against Junaid Siddique after the UAE batter was distracted by Shivam Dube’s falling towel.
This gesture, while not affecting the outcome, perfectly showcased India’s intent to play with class and integrity. With this emphatic win and a massive boost to their net run rate, the defending champions have laid down a clear marker for the tournament. Their focus now shifts to a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (September 14), where they will aim to build on the momentum generated by Kuldeep’s triumphant and record-breaking return.
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