Asia Cup, IND vs PAK: Shubman Gill's subtle two-word post stirs India-Pakistan fever

Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube's exceptional bowling performances propelled India to a dominant nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Asia Cup 2025 opener. Kuldeep's impressive figures of 4 for 7 and Dube's 3 for 4 helped India dismiss UAE for a mere 57 runs. India chased down the target swiftly, reaching 60 for 1 in just 4.

Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and seamer Shivam Dube ran through the United Arab Emirates’ batting lineup as India romped to a nine-wicket win in their Asia Cup 2025 opener on Wednesday. Kuldeep’s sharp googlies earned him figures of 4 for 7, while Dube claimed 3 for 4, helping bowl out UAE for just 57 in 13.1 overs — the lowest-ever T20 total against India.

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In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 60 for 1 in just 4.3 overs. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma impressed with 30 off 16 balls, hitting three sixes and two boundaries, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20.

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After the victory, Gill posted on social media: “Step one.” UAE’s innings never truly got going despite a reasonable start from Alishan Sharafu (22) and captain Muhammad Waseem (19), who put together 41 for 2 in the powerplay. India’s relentless bowling soon took control. Bumrah dismissed Sharafu with a pinpoint yorker and Mohammad Zohaib was caught at backward point attempting an ambitious shot against Varun Chakravarthy. Kuldeep’s three-wicket over, which included a plumb leg-before dismissal of Waseem, dismantled the middle order. Dube then struck thrice in his two overs, and UAE folded with more than six overs to spare. A rare moment of confusion saw Junaid Siddique initially stumped, but India withdrew the appeal after he explained that Dube’s rag distracted him. He fell the next ball trying to recover. Kuldeep finished the innings by having Haider Ali caught behind. India’s chase was clinical. Abhishek launched Ali’s first ball over wide extra cover for a six and continued to dominate before falling off a miscued short ball. Suryakumar Yadav then smashed Siddique for a six, and Gill sealed the win with a boundary to mid-on. India now head into their next group matches against Pakistan and debutants Oman, having made a resounding statement in Dubai.

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