India began their Asia Cup 2025 title defense in commanding style against hosts United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second match of Group A. The defending champions showcased their bowling prowess with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav producing a sensational performance that effectively dismantled UAE’s batting lineup.

Kuldeep Yadav’s peach of a googly knocks over Harshit Kaushik’s stumps to bag a 3fer

Kuldeep delivered a masterclass in spin bowling that will be remembered for years to come. The chinaman specialist struck thrice in his second over to leave UAE reeling at 50/5. His most spectacular dismissal came when he bowled Harshit Kaushik with a perfectly disguised googly that shattered the stumps. The delivery pitched outside off stump with delicious flight and Kaushik had no clue about the variation as he went searching for it well away from his body. The ball burst through the gap between bat and pad eventually crashing into the off stump.

Prior to Kaushik’s dismissal Kuldeep had already accounted for captain Muhammad Waseem who was trapped lbw and Rahul Chopra who was caught by Shubman Gill. The three-wicket over in the ninth over of UAE’s innings reduced them from a manageable position to complete collapse. Kuldeep’s exceptional spell of 4 wickets for just 7 runs in 2 overs at an economy rate of 3.50 proved to be the decisive factor in India’s dominance.

Here’s the video:

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

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India’s bowling unit restricts UAE to paltry total in Asia Cup 2025 game

India’s bowling strategy paid dividends as they deployed a spin-heavy attack featuring three specialist spinners. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone early by dismissing opener Alishan Sharafu with a yorker after the UAE opener had made a promising start with 22 runs. Varun Chakravarthy then chipped in with the wicket of Muhammad Zohaib while Shivam Dube completed the demolition job.

UAE were eventually restricted to just 57 runs in 13.1 overs . The hosts struggled against India’s varied bowling attack which included the pace of Bumrah and Hardik Pandya alongside the spin trio of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

The match highlighted India’s tactical acumen as captain Suryakumar made bold decisions including giving Bumrah three overs within the powerplay. This aggressive approach combined with Kuldeep’s magical spell ensured that UAE never recovered from their early setbacks making it a comfortable evening for the eight-time Asia Cup champions.

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