The India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai ended with India securing a comfortable victory, but the journey to that result was full of surprises. From unexpected selections to unusual performances, the match offered twists far beyond the scoreboard.
Spin Magic: India’s Googlies Create Havoc
It was truly a night of googlies in Dubai, and not just the ones that turned past bats. India’s wrist spinners bowled 25 deliveries, and 11 of those were googlies – a staggering 44%. The UAE batters struggled to read them, especially Harshit Kaushik, who was undone by a big-turning delivery from Kuldeep Yadav.
Yet, while the googly troubled the batters, the biggest surprises came not from the pitch, but from India’s team sheet.
Team Selection: Surprises Before the First Ball
- Sanju Samson over Jitesh Sharma: Jitesh, after long training sessions and extensive fielding drills, looked certain to play. Instead, Sanju Samson was handed the gloves and slotted into the No. 5 middle-order role, a position he has rarely occupied.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s Return: After being ignored in England even on spin-friendly tracks, Kuldeep was recalled for his first T20I since the World Cup final – and on a grassy Dubai pitch no less.
Kuldeep justified his inclusion with tight spells. “In this format, length is key. Tonight everything came together,” he said later.
Shivam Dube’s Bowling Surprise
Perhaps the biggest twist was Shivam Dube’s impact with the ball. Considered more of a batting all-rounder, he bowled just two overs but claimed three wickets, his best bowling return in years.
Dube credited bowling coach Morne Morkel for the turnaround:
“Morne told me to use the crease, bowl wider, and work on my slower balls. Those tweaks helped me.”
Bumrah’s Off Night
The most surprising moment on the field came from Jasprit Bumrah. Usually India’s most reliable bowler, he looked strangely negotiable, finishing as India’s most expensive wicket-taker of the night. Still, his trademark yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu reminded fans of his class.
UAE Falter After Bright Start
The UAE started well, reaching 41/2 in the PowerPlay, but soon collapsed to 57 all out. Coach Lalchand Rajput admitted after the game:
“The players were overawed by India’s big names. We should have batted all 20 overs.”
Despite their promise, the gulf between the India national cricket team vs United Arab Emirates national cricket team remained clear.
India’s Chase: Abhishek Sharma Lights Up
India’s reply began in style with Abhishek Sharma hitting a six off the very first ball. His quick 24 set the tone, and with Sanju Samson steadying the middle order, India wrapped up the chase with ease.
Match Summary – Ind vs UAE Asia Cup 2025
- UAE: 57 all out (Harshit Kaushik 15; Kuldeep Yadav 3-9, Shivam Dube 3-12)
- India: 61/2 in 8.2 overs (Abhishek Sharma 24, Sanju Samson 18*)
- Result: India won by 8 wickets
Final Word
The India vs UAE highlights showed more than just another easy win. From unexpected team selections to Shivam Dube’s bowling heroics and Kuldeep’s spin dominance, this match was a reminder that even routine victories can carry surprises.
With tougher matches ahead in the Asia Cup 2025, including the much-anticipated India vs USA fixture, India’s willingness to experiment might prove decisive as the tournament progresses.
