Irfan Pathan's prediction was on point. After a couple of slower deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah, the former India international assumed that that could be the high moment for the pacer to launch a yorker. Bumrah did exactly the same, releasing a yorker to uproot the wicket from the ground. 

The host, the United Arab Emirates, started to gain some momentum after the first three overs. Hardik Pandya opened the bowling for India in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025 and conceded 10 runs. Skipper Surya Kumar Yadav then introduced Bumrah, the only full-time pacer of India's playing XI of the night to make a solid impact. Bumrah concluded his first over, offering only 6 runs. For the third over, removing Pandya from the attack, Yadav handed over the ball to Axar Patel. UAE openers looked not enough bothered facing the spin bowling all-rounder.

The Team India captain sensed the urgency to take a wicket quickly, so he decided to continue with Bumrah. Bumrah did not disappoint the captain and the team as well. The ace bowler trapped the UAE batter with back-to-back slower deliveries. He took off all the pace from a couple of deliveries to trick the batter. UAE skipper and one of the openers Muhammed Waseem got off strike soon, and the bowler unleashed a perfect yorker to Sharafu to give India their first breakthrough of the contest. Bumrah went slightly wide of the crease to angle the quick yorker onto the off stump. 

Read More: Asia Cup 2025: Shivam Dube opens up about 'competition' with Hardik Pandya after taking 3 wickets vs UAE

Irfan Pathan predicted early what was going to happen 

Irfan, who was then on air doing his commentary job, predicted early that two consecutive slow deliveries could be a sign for a scorching yorker when he found his rhythm. With a toe-breaking yorker, the speed star helped India to get rid of Alishan Sharafu. 

"This is a massive over; this could be the over where India makes a comeback. This is the reason why Bumrah has been given another over in the powerplay. Two slower deliveries now; he is completely setting up Waseem now. When he is in full rhythm, he goes for the yorker as well. And he did indeed go for it! What a brilliant yorker," Irfan Pathan said on air.

Watch and the moment here

Pathan Saab saw it coming… Bumrah made it happen! 🎙️🔥

Watch #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 from Sept 9-28, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork | @IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/tqRNFZyTOF

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 10, 2025

Team India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 run with a record-breaking win against the United Arab Emirates (IND vs UAE) on Wednesday (September 10, 2025) evening. UAE scored only 57 runs in the first innings of the match, the lowest ever T20I total against Team India in the history of cricket. India won the match by 9 wickets and 93 balls to spare. If we count India's T20I wins by the remaining number of deliveries, then the victory against UAE, as of now, is the best. Before the match against the United Arab Emirates, a win against Scotland in 2021 was the biggest ever T20I match win for India in terms of number of balls to spare. 

Team India's 3 best T20I wins (by ball remaining margin): 

India vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025:

UAE, the host, lost all of their scalps for only 57 runs on the scoreboard. Kuldeep Yadav was the best performer for India with the ball by taking 4 wickets; pace-bowling all-rounder Shivam Dube got 3 wickets as well. To chase down the bantam score, the Surya Kumar Yadav-led team needed around 30 minutes. They clinched the match by 9 wickets and 93 balls to spare. 

Scotland vs India, T20I World Cup, 2021:

After the United Arab Emirates match, the Scotland vs. India T20I WC encounter dropped down to the second spot on the list. India won the match by 8 wickets and 81 balls to spare. For the dominating win, India displayed an all-round performance at Dubai International Stadium. Scotland went to bat first and scored only 85 runs in 17.4 overs. Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3 wickets each, 2 wickets were bagged by Jasprit Bumrah, and one was for Ravichandran Ashwin.

Read More: [WATCH] IND vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025: Jasprit Bumrah launches toe breaking yorker to rattle the stumps of Alishan Sharafu

Indian openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma eased the remaining pressure instantly in the second innings as they batted brilliantly to take their run rate high. Rahul scored 50 off 19, and Sharma got 30 runs against 16 deliveries before losing their wickets. Virat Kohli and Surya Kumar Yadav ensured India's record-breaking win in T20I history.

Bangladesh vs India, Asian Games Semi-Final, 2023:

It was a freshly built team for India for the Asian Games in China in 2023. India and Bangladesh faced each other during the semi-final stage of the tournament. Bangladesh went to bat first and scored only 96 runs in the 20-over limit, losing 9 wickets. Spinner Sai Kishore grabbed 3 wickets in the process. Ripon Mondol's early strike in the second innings made the match interesting for a while; Yashasvi Jaiswal departed without scoring a single run. For the second wicket, the captain of the team, Ruturaj Gaikwad (40 Not Out), and Tilak Varma (55 Not Out) created a match-winning partnership and demolished the remaining hopes of Bangladesh. India won the game by 9 wickets and 64 balls to remain. 

India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 journey against hosts UAE in emphatic style, leaving no room for doubt about their dominance. The Men in Blue put on a complete performance, dismantling the opposition with both ball and bat.

After being sent in to bat, UAE struggled from the outset as Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure. The home side found no breathing space, crumbling under spin and pace alike. Their innings folded cheaply, posting just 57 runs on the board, leaving the hosts disappointed and the crowd silenced.

Chasing the modest target, India’s openers wasted no time in putting on a show. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out with intent, playing aggressively from the very beginning. In the second over, Gill stamped his authority with crisp strokes, entertaining the fans. The chase soon turned into a formality, setting the tone for India’s campaign with a commanding win.

See Also: [WATCH] Shivam Dube picks up his maiden Asia Cup wicket in IND vs UAE Match 2

Shubman Gill’s standout maximum:

Chasing a modest 58-run target, Shubman Gill began his innings in style. He first drove a crisp boundary before following it up with a stunning six that left both the bowler and commentators amazed. The crowd too was thrilled to witness such elegant stroke play. Gill’s flawless timing and classy execution highlighted his growing stature as one of India’s most dependable top-order batters in limited-overs cricket.

On the final ball of the second over, Muhammad Rohid Khan delivered on Gill’s pads, and the opener responded in style. Gill charged down, executing a flawless flick that soared over deep square leg for six. It was pure elegance and timing, leaving fans and commentators in awe of his effortless stroke-making early in the chase.

 

 

 

 

 

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Shubman Gill played a blistering knock, hammering unbeaten 20 runs off only 9 deliveries at a stunning strike rate of 222.22. His short but impactful innings included two crisp boundaries and one towering six, showcasing his aggressive intent and flawless timing. This quick-fire start gave India strong momentum in their run chase against UAE in the Asia Cup.

India cruised to a thumping victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025. After choosing to bowl first, India’s spinners and all-rounders ran through the opposition batting line-up, getting them for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was spectacular, taking 3 wickets in one over, while Shivam Dube added vital breakthroughs. With such a small target, India’s top order collapsed the game into 4.3 overs, with a nine-wicket victory. Below are the main reasons for the United Arab Emirates' defeat:

1. India’s ruthless spin attack bowled UAE out for 57

India used Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube to great effect: Kuldeep claimed 4 wickets for 7 runs (3 wickets in a single over), and Dube claimed 3, with help from Axar Patel, Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Together, they reduced UAE to 57 all out.

2. UAE batting lacked substance beyond a brief opening stand

A small opening partnership of only 26-30 runs between Muhammad Waseem & Alishan Sharafu did provide a tiny glimmer of hope, but it was lost very quickly by India's bowlers, and none of the UAE batters showed any resistance. The batsmen collapsed under very aggressive, disciplined bowling.

See Also: WATCH: Why Suryakumar Yadav withdraw his appeal in IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match?

3. India’s lightning-fast chase sealed the one-sided contest

India only needed 4.3 overs to chase down the target and win the match by nine wickets. Abhishek Sharma (30* off 16) and Shubman Gill (who early on helped the chase) made quick work of the small target and showed the gap of experience between the teams.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav made a surprising decision during the Asia Cup 2025 Group Stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, September 10, when he withdrew the appeal against the stumping of UAE batter Junaid Siddique. The right-handed batter had been caught short of his crease after wicket-keeper Sanju Samson executed a direct hit from behind the stumps. This wicket also raised the possibility of confusion in an unusual situation on the field

The incident took place in the 13th over when Siddique tried to play a pull shot off a short ball from Shivam Dube but completely missed the ball. During the play, Siddique had indicated that the bowler had dropped his towel in the run-up. This added to the confusion, and in the process, the UAE batter had stepped slightly outside his crease, which Samson capitalized on immediately.

The on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, who confirmed that Siddique was, indeed, out of his crease. The decision was going to be displayed on the big screen, but Suryakumar Yadav decided to withdraw the appeal after talking to the officials, as he felt that it was an unfair situation for Siddique to be dismissed in this manner.

India’s Bowling Dominance Bundles UAE Out

Despite the withdrawn appeal, Siddique was dismissed on the very next delivery, leaving him with a three-ball duck as UAE collapsed to 55-9. The Indian bowlers dominated from the outset after Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first upon winning the toss. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone with a brilliant yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu for 22, while Kuldeep Yadav’s triple strike in the ninth over left the opposition reeling.

Watch the video here

𝙎𝙋𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙏. 𝙊𝙁. 𝙏𝙃𝙀. 𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀 🏏

Captain SKY is all class 👏

Watch #DPWORLDASIACUP2025 - LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels 📺#AsiaCup #INDvUAE pic.twitter.com/SjkL6iS4YM

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 10, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] 'Jersey Wahi Toh Jazba Wahi' - Jiostar launches ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 campaign film

The UAE struggled all through their innings, and only two batters made it to double figures. India kept hitting them and restricted them to 57 – the second-lowest total in T20 Asia Cup history, showing the Men in Blue have lethal bowling.

Well, that was shocking. The cricket team of the United Arab Emirates bundled for only 57 in the second match of the Asia Cup 2025—the lowest-ever T20I total against India by any team on the planet. Cricket fans on social media also could not believe their eyes at what happened at Dubai International Stadium. Reactions through various posts were floating all over the social media platforms.

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the wrecker-in-chief of the evening against the UAE. He took a total of 4 wickets, among which 3 wickets came from a single over, though it was not a hat-trick. The UAE lost their last 8 wickets for just 10 runs—a complete batting disaster. Netizens were delighted to see Yadav on form. All-rounder Shivam Dube picked up 3 wickets as well, and there was one wicket each for Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy. Hardik Pandya was the sole bowler for India who remained wicketless in the match.

Bumrah was the man who provided team India the first breakthrough of the game. Opener Alishan Sharafu scored 22, the highest individual for UAE in the clash. In less than 5 overs, the Men in Blue chased down the target of 58. India won their first match of the Asia Cup 2025 by 9 wickets and 93 balls to spare.

Read More: WATCH: Rohit Sharma's great gesture fulfill lifetime dreams of under treatment childrens

The match ended in a flicker of an eye

Abhishek Sharma scored 30 off 16, and Shubman Gill fetched 20* runs against 9 deliveries. Captain Surya Kumar Yadav faced a couple of deliveries and got 7 runs with an over boundary. India needed only 27 balls and around 30 minutes to register their first win of the campaign.

A thoroughly dominating performance from the Men in Blue in all departments and a very disappointing outing for the hosts. India will next face Pakistan on September 14. 

Those ‘Boycotting’ Asia Cup but secretly checking scores at Cricbuzz. #INDvsUAE | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/puZn0PROWH

— Hemant Batra (@hemantbatra0) September 10, 2025

Weaving his magic every time he takes the ball in hand 🪄 @imkuldeep18 ❤️💪#kuldeepyadav #indvsuae #bharatarmy #coti🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xNhevIw9T8

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) September 10, 2025

Kuldeep Yadav is the best spinner in the world currently by a mile.

No one is even close to him. 👑 pic.twitter.com/VXNPKn4btQ

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) September 10, 2025

What a ball by Kuldeep Yadav!! Currently best spinner in world in white ball. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nFRcXYCfil

— SKY & Supla Shot (@sky_63_mr_t20i) September 10, 2025

#INDvsUAE
Kuldeep Yadav , Bumrah , Varun chakravarthy setting fire in Asia Cup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mIS3e90bXX

— theboysthing (@theboysthing07) September 10, 2025

Jasprit Bumrah earned the early breakthrough for India against the United Arab Emirates (IND vs UAE) during the second match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. A pinpoint quick yorker dislodged the wicket from the ground; UAE opener Alishan Sharafu had to head back towards the pavilion. 

After winning the toss, India skipper Surya Kumar Yadav elected to bowl first. He wanted to utilize the early freshness of the track with only two pacers: Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Expectedly, India stepped into the Dubai International Stadium with multiple spinners. Before deliveries from Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, it was Bumrah, the elite pacer, who dropped first blood of the match. 

The UAE tried to start their innings with extra caution. Openers Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem were driving their innings on a low gear. During the first three overs, they were able to build some momentum as well. Sharafu scored 22 off 17, and Waseem, captain of the UAE cricket team and also an opener, got 19 off 22. Before the fall of the first wicket, the United Arab Emirates notch 26 runs with their first pair. 

Read More: WATCH: Rohit Sharma's great gesture fulfill lifetime dreams of under treatment childrens

Bumrah's yorker changed the momentum of the first innings 

A moment of Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance disorganized the strategy of the UAE cricket team. On the fourth ball of the fourth over, the Indian pace spearhead guided a yorker towards the toe of Alishan Sharafu. Before he brought down his bat, the ball went straight to rattle the wicket. Bumrah went wide off the crease to angle the ball on the stumps. 

After the wicket of Sharafu, UAE's batting line-up collapsed like a house of cards. Their middle order was completely demolished by the spin bowling department of Team India. 

Watch the yorker here

Jasprit Bumrah and knocking stumps over — name a better combo 💥

Watch #DPWORLDASIACUP2025 - LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels 📺#AsiaCup #INDvUAE pic.twitter.com/q3wrec57d2

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 10, 2025

UAE hosts are about to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against defending champions India on Wednesday, 10 September, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Addressing the media prior to the big match, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said his team was confident with their preparations and looking to focus on executing their plans.

The aggressive right-handed opener made it clear that his team is not treating the game against India as a special one. Instead, he feels that every match in the tournament holds equal value since all teams are strong. Waseem emphasized that his side’s approach will revolve around sticking to what they have practiced, regardless of the opposition.

“We will not take it as a big match because all the teams are good in front of you, so all the matches will be the same. We are working hard in the heat, and we will only follow our plan. Whatever we have learned and whatever we need to do on that day, we will do it. Rest, the result is up to the game,” Waseem told India Today.

“We Will Not Give In to Their Strength”

Waseem explained that the UAE batters will respect India’s main wicket-taking bowler while targeting the rest of the attack. He revealed that the team has prepared collective plans for the Indian lineup rather than focusing on individuals, with spinners likely to play a bigger role if conditions demand.

See Also: 'What Is the Need to Play Bumrah?' – Former Indian cricketer questions selection for Asia Cup 2025 clash against UAE

“No, we have not made any individual plan for any particular player. We have created a plan for 6-7 batters for the whole team. We will not give in to their strength. We will play carefully with their wicket-taker bowler, and whoever we can charge, we have made such a plan. If the unit is more, the role of the spinners can increase,” he said. Waseem added that the UAE’s familiarity with home conditions could give them an edge, stating, “We play a lot of cricket here… it is our home. So we will try our best to take advantage of it and play good cricket.”

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes that Jasprit Bumrah should not be risked in India’s upcoming Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team management has been particular about the star pacer’s workload, having already rested him in two of the five tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

Bumrah is returning to international white-ball cricket for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup Final. Over the last year, the 31-year-old has played primarily in Tests, only a handful of bilateral T20Is. However, with India building towards the 2026 T20 World Cup, the speedster has once again become an automatic pick in the shortest format.

The pacer recently dealt with a minor niggle at the end of the England tour, but after a rare extended break, he is back in the squad. Yet, Jadeja stressed that India should avoid using Bumrah in matches against weaker sides. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, he remarked, “What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Now you need him even against UAE? Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in these types of matches. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic. I will go on strike if Bumrah plays.”

Irfan Pathan Counters Jadeja’s View

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan had a contrasting take on the matter. He acknowledged the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload but felt that once selected for a tournament, the bowler should play every game. Pathan noted that tournaments are not the stage for partial participation.

See Also: 'God’s Plan' - Rinku Singh reveals story behind his famous phrase ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup

“You need to protect Bumrah, I understand. But what my opinion is, and I have said this during the England tour as well, is that if you have come to play a series, then you have to play it completely. You have not come into a series for recovery or management; you have come to play,” Pathan stated. Bumrah, who missed the 2022 edition due to injury, will feature in the T20 Asia Cup for only the second time in his career. India’s campaign begins on September 10 against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium.

India batter Rinku Singh has opened up about the origins of his popular phrase, “God’s plan.” The 27-year-old shared the story during a YouTube podcast with Raj Shamani, released on Tuesday, September 9. Rinku explained how the phrase came to be a part of his life and why he still uses it to guide him through his journey as a cricketer.

The left-hander revealed that he first came across the phrase at a party he attended with his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Nitish Rana. He recalled that Rana turned DJ for the night and played the famous track God’s Plan by Drake, which left a deep impression on him. Since then, the song and its meaning have stayed with Rinku.

“Nitish (Rana) Bhai, we had gone for a little party, and there he became a bit of a DJ. Bhaiya played a song; it was God’s Plan by Drake, so from there everything started. From there I started listening to songs. Bhaiya explained to me that these are the meanings of this song: always trust God. So from there, things began,” Rinku said.

Faith, Hard Work, and Positive Thinking

Rinku Singh continued to discuss how the phrase "God's plan" has molded his thinking on and off the field. He said whilst you can put in the effort and work hard, you still need faith in the Almighty. It has always been about trusting God and trusting in his own work.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025 Match 2: IND vs UAE head-to-head, stadium stats & predicted playing XIs

“God’s plan is exactly this scene because I have always trusted the One above, because above, it is only the One above who is everything. And your hard work is your hard work. If you are working hard with a true heart and you are not thinking badly of anyone, then that becomes very helpful for you,” he said. Rinku added that he believes good intentions towards others reflect positively in one’s own journey, reinforcing his simple philosophy: “Think good for others, focus on your own game, and trust the One above.”

The southpaw, who is part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, has already made a mark in international cricket. He has featured in 33 T20Is, scoring 546 runs at an impressive average of 42.00 and a strike rate of 161.06, including three half-centuries. Rinku has also played two ODIs, tallying 55 runs in limited opportunities.