Suryakumar Yadav stays tight-lipped on India’s full match fee after thrashing UAE in under two hours

India demolished UAE by nine wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, leaving captain Suryakumar Yadav delighted with the start.

India Crush UAE in Record-Breaking Asia Cup Opener

Suryakumar Yadav’s India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, hammering the UAE by nine wickets in a one-sided Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Kuldeep Yadav starred with a four-wicket haul as UAE folded for just 57 in 13.1 overs — the lowest-ever T20I score against India. Shivam Dube chipped in with three wickets as the hosts were left embarrassed.

India’s chase was equally ruthless, finishing the job with 93 balls to spare and nine wickets in hand. Abhishek Sharma smashed 30 off 15 balls, while Shubman Gill and skipper Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 20 and 7 respectively. It marked India’s biggest T20I victory in terms of balls remaining, and the second-biggest win ever by a full-member ICC nation.

During the post-match presentation, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar lightened the mood, joking with Suryakumar Yadav about India’s clinical dismantling of the UAE. With only 17.4 overs bowled and the game wrapping up in under two hours, Manjrekar quipped: “I am just wondering whether you will get your full match fees.”

Suryakumar laughed off the comment before praising his side: “That we will talk about later. But yeah, clinical performance from the boys. That’s what we asked for; we wanted good energy and attitude on the field.”

‘Wicket looked good’

Suryakumar Yadav shed light on his decision to field three spinners — Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy — in India’s opening Asia Cup 2025 game. He explained that the extreme Dubai heat and the sluggish nature of the wicket made conditions favorable for slower bowlers. At the same time, he credited the seamers for their crucial support.

“The wicket looked good, but it was on the slower side. The spinners played a crucial role in the Champions Trophy. It is really hot out here right now, so we think spinners will have dominance. Good support shown by Hardik, Bumrah and Shivam Dube as well,” said Suryakumar.

India will now gear up for a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, are set to open their campaign against Oman on Friday.

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