India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, crushing the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai. UAE were bundled out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs, as Kuldeep Yadav spun a web with figures of 4 for 7, while Shivam Dube added 3 for 4, decimating the batting lineup.

In reply, India needed just 4.3 overs to knock off the target. Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 30 off 16 balls, and Shubman Gill stood unbeaten on 20*. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s side looked sharp, fluid, confident an overwhelming statement in their title defence.

Beyond the numbers, this wasn’t just a dominant win—it was a message. With arch-rival Pakistan looming in the tournament, India have set the tone: they intend to defend aggressively, with flair, depth, and ruthless intensity. Performances like Kuldeep’s revival, the bowling unit’s discipline, and the top order’s firepower all hint that India aren’t content to just compete they’re here to assert. The Asia Cup may just be getting started, but after this performance, expectations are higher than ever.