Kuldeep makes it worth the wait — India crush UAE

Kuldeep Yadav returned in style against UAE, marking his comeback with a stunning four-wicket spell that dismantled the opposition. India bowled UAE out for just 57 runs and chased the target in only 4.3 overs, completing one of their most dominant wins in T20I history.

This match was about more than just numbers. It was about India’s depth, balance, and intent. After sitting out the England Test series, Kuldeep turned his patience into performance, delivering when it mattered most. His mix of flight, variations, and wrong’uns left UAE batters clueless. Alongside him, Shivam Dube added three wickets, further proving India’s all-round depth for the next Bangladesh and Pakistan matches.

With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a quick-fire chase, India’s choices in team selection paid off perfectly. The win not only reassures Indian fans about their side’s readiness but also sends a strong message across Asia ahead of crucial clashes like Mumbai vs Punjab in IPL.

Kuldeep Makes it Worth the Wait — Four Wickets, Full Control

Kuldeep Yadav had spent weeks warming the bench in England, waiting for his opportunity. His return in the Asia Cup opener was everything Indian fans hoped for. Bowling with rhythm and control, he choked runs and forced batters into risky strokes. He was looking like a candidate to take double hat- trick here in UAE.

In his ninth over, he turned the match on its head. Rahul Chopra holed out, Muhammad Waseem was trapped lbw, and Harshit Kaushik was bowled by a wrong’un. Three wickets in one over highlighted his class. By the end, Kuldeep had four for seven, breaking the UAE’s batting backbone.

This was also a comeback test of his fitness after a sports hernia layoff. His performance confirmed he remains India’s go-to wrist spinner. The spell boosts confidence in the bowling attack and influences India’s squad strategy for the tournament.

Ball-by-Ball: The Turning Moments

• Chopra lofted to long-on, caught by Shubman Gill.

• Waseem was beaten by drift and struck on the pads.

• Harshit was bowled through the gate by a fizzing wrong’un.

• A fourth came when the UAE had no reviews left.

Each wicket was a masterclass in disguise and patience, underlining why Kuldeep is India’s trump card.

Match Summary Table and Wickets Graph

India’s victory was more than just a routine win. It was a statement to rivals like Pakistan. The team showed balance across all departments: pace in the powerplay, spin in the middle overs, and explosive batting at the top.

Kuldeep and Dube shared seven wickets between them, while Abhishek and Gill blasted quick runs. This win showcased India’s ability to dominate weaker teams and build momentum for bigger matches. For Pakistan, this is a reminder of India’s bench depth and aggressive approach.

📊 The wickets chart showed Kuldeep with 4, Dube with 3, and three others with 1 each.

What does the Win signal to Pakistan?

Pakistan will study Kuldeep’s variations closely. India’s dual wrist-spinners are tough to face in Asian conditions. Gill and Abhishek’s partnership also presents a fresh challenge for Pakistan’s pace attack. Preparing for India now requires new strategies to be the goat of cricket.

Will Pakistan Be Worried After Seeing This Performance?

Pakistan will not panic after one match, but concern is natural. India’s bowling looks sharp, with Kuldeep and Dube in top form. The batting unit also looks fearless, reducing pressure on the middle order.

The psychological edge is now slightly with India. Their ability to crush the UAE so quickly demonstrates ruthlessness. Pakistan must prepare for wrist spin, flexible batting orders, and India’s new opening pair.

Tactical Notes for Pakistan

• Practice sweeps and reverse sweeps against spin.

• Prepare bowling plans to test India’s openers early.

• Work on fielding drills to stop singles and build pressure.

• Be ready for India’s deep batting up to No. 8.

What Are the Chances of Any Team Standing Against India in the Asia Cup 2025?

India’s performance suggests they are early favourites. But Asia Cup tournaments often produce surprises. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and even Afghanistan have the quality to challenge on their day due to domestic performances.

Spin-friendly tracks give India an edge, but strong pace attacks could still trouble their batters. India must stay focused and avoid complacency. Their batting depth and spin attack make them hard to stop, but one upset could still change the table.

Realistic Threats India Must Respect

• Pakistan’s pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi.

• Sri Lanka’s spin depth and home familiarity.

• Afghanistan’s fearless approach with Rashid Khan’s spin.

• Bangladesh’s ability to spring upsets in multi-team tournaments.

How This Will Boost the Indian Women’s Team Ahead of the Women’s World Cup?

Momentum in cricket spreads across teams. India’s men’s performance builds excitement that will benefit the women’s team, especially with the Women’s World Cup coming soon in India.

Positive attention, media buzz, and fan engagement improve facilities and morale for women players. Young cricketers draw inspiration from the men’s team, and the spotlight raises visibility for women’s cricket.

Direct Benefits for the Women’s Team

• Better resources and sponsorship support.

• Higher crowd turnout in World Cup matches.

• Boosted morale from shared national success.

• A united cricket system supporting both men and women.

For historical context, the first Women’s ODI World Cup laid the foundation. Now, India aims to host and win with pride.

India’s Selection Calls Pay Off Perfectly

India made bold calls before this match. Sanju Samson kept the gloves, Varun Chakravarthy got a chance, and Shivam Dube was preferred for his batting depth. These decisions shaped the game.

Bumrah bowling three overs in the powerplay was also unusual. It worked, as he provided early control. With both spinners firing and the batting order stacked, India’s mix of experience and youth proved successful.

This selection balance may guide India’s strategy against stronger teams like Bangladesh and New Zealand later in the tournament.

Conclusion

Kuldeep Yadav’s four-for was more than a personal comeback. It was a signal that India’s attack is firing ahead of tougher matches. His spell, supported by Dube and Bumrah, exposed UAE’s batting and sealed India’s fastest T20I chase.

This victory also sends a warning to Pakistan and other rivals. India’s new opening pair, combined with depth and wrist spin, gives them a powerful edge. The win also boosts the national cricket mood before the upcoming Women’s World Cup in India.

India must stay grounded, as Asia Cup tournaments often surprise. But with this start, they look ready for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond. For now, the message is simple: India are the team to beat in 2025.