India made cricket history in their Asia Cup 2025 opener with a blistering performance against the UAE, pulling off their fastest men’s T20I chase ever. After bowling out UAE for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs, India stormed to victory in only 4.3 overs, sealing a nine-wicket win with 93 balls to spare. The result not only delivered a thumping opening statement but also propelled India’s net run rate (NRR) to a level that could prove decisive later in the tournament.
The record-breaking chase was a display of intent and dominance. Chasing a target of 58, opener Abhishek Sharma launched a fiery assault, smashing 30 runs off 16 balls. His stroke-making was fearless, peppered with clean sixes and boundaries that immediately put the UAE attack on the defensive. Shubman Gill played his part with a crisp 20 not out off just nine deliveries, ensuring the scoreboard kept racing ahead. Captain Suryakumar Yadav joined briefly at the end to polish off the win, leaving India with their quickest T20I chase ever, bettering their previous best effort that had required 6.3 overs.
The foundations of this lightning-fast result were laid by India’s bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav produced a masterclass in spin bowling, running through the middle order to claim 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His variations and accuracy left UAE batters groping. Shivam Dube provided incisive pace support with an exceptional return of 3 for 4, ripping through the top order in no time. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket apiece, leaving the hosts reeling and unable to mount any resistance.
While the win itself was dominant, the bigger takeaway for India was the boost to their net run rate. By completing the chase in under five overs, India’s NRR skyrocketed to +10.48, by far the best in their group. In tournaments like the Asia Cup, where group stages can hinge on tight margins and net run rate often becomes the deciding factor, this early cushion gives India both confidence and tactical breathing space. Even if they encounter a hiccup later in the group stage, the massive NRR advantage will keep them firmly in the race for qualification.
The psychological impact of such a result is also significant. For rivals, India’s emphatic dismantling of UAE serves as a warning: they are not just looking to win, they are looking to dominate. For India, it instills belief and momentum in a squad already brimming with firepower. The combination of ruthless bowling and fearless batting sets a template for how they aim to approach the rest of the tournament.
Ultimately, India’s victory over UAE was about more than just two points. It was about stamping authority, setting records, and gaining a crucial strategic edge through net run rate. As the Asia Cup progresses, this match may well be remembered as the moment India announced themselves as overwhelming favourites — ruthless with the ball, explosive with the bat, and miles ahead on the numbers board.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025