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India launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with an emphatic statement on Wednesday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Men in Blue demolished hosts United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in what turned into a record-breaking encounter in Group A. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field first, marking India’s first toss victory in 15 international matches and setting the tone for a dominant performance that lasted just over 106 deliveries.
The match began with a lighthearted moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. As the two captains prepared for the toss ceremony, Suryakumar delivered a cheeky remark that had both players and spectators in stitches.
Suryakumar Yadav’s hilarious “don’t look” moment at the toss with UAE captain Muhammad Waseem
Just before flipping the coin into the air, India’s captain leaned toward UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem with a mischievous grin. Covering the coin with his hand, Suryakumar playfully told Waseem “Idhar mat dekho” (Don’t look here), which caught the UAE captain completely off-guard and drew laughter from everyone present. The friendly exchange showcased Suryakumar’s trademark humor while setting a positive tone for what would become a one-sided contest. Waseem, visibly amused by the comment, looked away with a smile, creating a memorable moment that highlighted the mutual respect between the two captains.
The banter didn’t end there, as both skippers continued their pleasantries after Suryakumar’s interview with presenter Sanjay Manjrekar, parting with smiles that indicated genuine camaraderie despite the competitive nature of the tournament.
Here’s the video:
15 attempts later, SKY gets it right! 😅
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India’s total domination seals comprehensive victory over UAE
Once the match began, India’s bowling unit delivered a masterclass performance that left UAE’s batting lineup in tatters. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the star performer, claiming four wickets for just seven runs in 2.1 overs, including a devastating spell where he took three wickets in a single over. The left-arm wrist spinner, who had been warming the bench during India’s recent Test series in England, showed no signs of rustiness as he dismantled the UAE middle order with precision and guile.
Shivam Dube provided excellent support with the ball, recording career-best figures of 3/4 in two overs, helping restrict UAE to their lowest-ever T20I total of 57 runs in 13.1 overs. The hosts managed only a 26-run opening partnership before their batting completely collapsed under pressure from India’s world-class bowling attack.
Chasing the modest target, India made a mockery of the chase, reaching 60/1 in just 4.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma blazed his way to 30 runs off 16 balls, striking three sixes and two fours, while becoming the first Indian batter to hit a six on the opening delivery of a T20I run chase. Vice-captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off nine balls, sealing the victory with a boundary as India recorded their fastest-ever T20I win.
This commanding victory sends a clear message to other Asia Cup participants about India’s Asia Cup aspirations, with the team displaying exceptional depth in both batting and bowling departments as they prepare for their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on Sunday.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav breaks 7-year-long jinx with with a destructive spell against UAE
