India vs United Arab Emirates Ball by Ball Commentary - Asia Cup 2025

Okay then, a very early wrap to the game than usual. India have completely decimated the hosts in Dubai, which of course marks a really positive start for them, but more importantly, their net run rate will skyrocket massively. The UAE have almost a week's break and they will go back to the drawing board to prepare for their next challenge, against Oman, on Monday, September 15. For India, their next assignment sees them facing their arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, 14th September. But up next, we hop back to Abu Dhabi for the 3rd Match as Bangladesh are all set to kick off their campaign against Hong Kong, China, who will be determined to put a humbling defeat behind them and come afresh for this exciting Group B clash. That game will be played at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday, 11th September, and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). But as you all know the drill, please mark your presence an hour earlier to catch all the exciting pre-match buildup and analysis. Till then, we sign off from here. Take care, cheers!

The victorious skipper of India, SURYAKUMAR YADAV, is all smiles as he walks up for a chat. He says that the idea was to assess how the wicket played, and it turned out to be quite similar in both innings. Calls it a clinical performance, crediting the boys for showing great attitude and energy on the field. Mentions that many players were recently here for the Champions Trophy and knew the conditions, where the surface looked good but was on the slower side, giving spinners a role to play. In the hot conditions, he praises Kuldeep, Dube, and Varun for their efforts. On Abhishek, he says that being the World No.1 batter is no surprise as he sets the tone no matter the target, calling his batting unbelievable. Adds that everyone in the camp is now excited for the big game against Pakistan.

The captain of the United Arab Emirates, MUHAMMAD WASEEM, reflects that his team started well with the bat, but losing wickets in a cluster cost them the game. Credits the opposition, calling them a brilliant side with bowlers who executed their plans perfectly against every batter, which is why they are the No.1 team. Adds that as a unit, the UAE will look to come back stronger and learn from these mistakes.

India's KULDEEP YADAV is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning four-wicket haul. He starts by thanking the trainer, saying that he has been working hard on his fitness along with his bowling, and at the moment, everything feels perfect. On making the most of opportunities when playing for India, Kuldeep says he is just happy to take wickets and contribute to the team’s win. Talking about his bowling, he stresses the importance of hitting the right lengths and reveals that he tries to read the batter’s mind, reacting quickly to what they might do next ball, something that worked well for him.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

This is only the second time these two teams have faced off in this format. Their first encounter dates back to the 2016 Asia Cup, where India delivered a clinical performance. Nearly nine years later, they’ve once again given the UAE little room to settle. Their batting has clearly leaned heavily on Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu at the top. Even during the tri-series, the middle order struggled to deliver consistently. A very critical area that will require significant improvement when facing stronger opposition. With the ball, they’ve fared considerably better, particularly through their spin attack. However, cricket is a team game, and for victories to come, every department needs to click together. Rather than viewing this as a humiliating defeat, the UAE should see it as a valuable learning experience. An opportunity to grow with each outing, especially in multi-national tournaments like this that provide crucial international exposure to their relatively younger side.

Earlier in the game, India opted to bowl first on a pitch that appeared to be a bit two-paced in nature. Alishan Sharafu provided a positive start for the hosts, and they did manage to post a decent 41/2 at the end of the Powerplay. But once he and Muhammad Waseem were dismissed, the UAE just couldn't stitch a stable partnership as they kept losing wickets one after the other. And when the spinners formed the tandem, the batters were outfoxed by the variations they dished out. In particular, Kuldeep Yadav dented the middle order, picking three big wickets in a single over and the rest were shared by the others. Shivam Dube also enjoyed his time snagging three wickets, with Varun, Bumrah, and Axar chipping with one each. Overall, it was a clinical demolition job by the Indian bowlers as they bowled out the hosts for a paltry 57 runs, with only the openers managing to stretch out to double figures.

With just 58 runs to chase, it was only a matter of time for the Indians to hunt it down. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill just didn't offer any breathing space for the bowlers and launched a ruthless attack from the first ball. Both Abhishek and Gill played some eye-pleasing strokes into the stands and feasted on the bowlers. With shoulders dropped after a disastrous batting, the UAE bowlers just didn't have the runs on the board. However, Junaid Siddique did manage to dismiss Abhishek Sharma, but that was all.

27 balls, and just around 30 minutes. This is all it took for the Indians to chase this target down. A thoroughly professional performance from the Men in Blue, in all departments. A very disappointing outing for the hosts, United Arab Emirates overall. They just couldn't produce any sort of challenge to the opposition. They came in with high hopes after putting in some decent stints in the recently concluded tri-series in Sharjah, but just crumbled under pressure and the stage. With 93 balls to spare, this is the UAE's BIGGEST defeat, in T20Is, in terms of balls remaining, while defending the target.

Another change. Fourth over, fourth bowler from the United Arab Emirates. Simranjeet Singh comes into the attack. India need just 4 runs.

The skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, walks in at 3.

Another change. Junaid Siddique comes into the attack. India need just 20 more.

Change. Dhruv Parashar comes into the attack.

Muhammad Rohid will bowl from the other end.