Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav’s Three-Wicket Over Wrecks UAE as India Dominate in Dubai

India made a strong start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, reducing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to 52/7 inside 12 overs in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday night. The highlight of the innings came in the ninth over when Kuldeep Yadav spun the game firmly in India’s favour with three wickets in a single over.

Kuldeep’s Magic Over

The UAE, who were 41/2 at the end of the powerplay, collapsed dramatically once Kuldeep Yadav entered the attack. Rahul Chopra perished attempting a lofted stroke, captain Muhammad Waseem fell lbw to a quicker delivery, and Harshit Kaushik was bowled through the gate by a wrong’un. Kuldeep’s figures of 3 for 7 in two overs left the hosts gasping at 50/5.

Bumrah and Varun Strike Early

Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah drew first blood with a searing yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu for 15. Varun Chakravarthy then removed Mohammad Zohaib with his wrong’un, as India’s spin-heavy attack began to dictate terms. Shivam Dube also chipped in, dismissing Asif Khan with his third ball, caught behind by Sanju Samson.

UAE Struggle Despite Waseem’s Resistance

Skipper Muhammad Waseem fought hard during the powerplay, striking three boundaries off Bumrah to give his side some hope. But his dismissal to Kuldeep in the ninth over triggered a collapse that UAE have yet to recover from. At the halfway mark, they were 51/5, with India firmly in control.

India’s Playing XI Decisions

Suryakumar Yadav, captaining India, opted to bowl first after winning the toss—India’s first toss win in 16 matches. The team surprised many by including both wrist-spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, while handing Sanju Samson the wicketkeeping gloves despite Shubman Gill’s return at the top of the order. Shivam Dube was preferred over an extra pacer, leaving Bumrah as the only frontline quick supported by Hardik Pandya.

UAE, meanwhile, made one change, bringing in allrounder Dhruv Parashar for Muhammad Farooq.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

UAE: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh.