India secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over UAE in their
Asia Cup opener in Dubai on Wednesday, with Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional spin bowling dismantling the hosts for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs before India chased down the target in 4.3 overs.
India's decision to field first after winning the toss proved decisive as their bowling attack dominated the proceedings on the Dubai track.
Kuldeep Yadav, who had been benched for five Tests in the UK, delivered a masterful performance with figures of 4 for 7 in 2.1 overs.
UAE's innings started promisingly but crumbled dramatically, losing eight wickets for just 10 runs after being 47 for two in the ninth over.
Jasprit Bumrah initiated the collapse by dismissing Kerala-born Alishan Sharafu for 22, who had managed three boundaries and a six before falling to a precise yorker.
The spin trio of Kuldeep, Varun Chakravarthy (1/4 in 2 overs), and Axar Patel (1/13 in 3 overs) proved too challenging for the UAE batters to handle.
Shivam Dube contributed with career-best figures of 3/4 in 2 overs, effectively cleaning up the tail with his late 120 kmph deliveries and strategic length variations.
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem struggled to score 19 off 22 balls before falling to Kuldeep, while Rahul Chopra and Harshit Kaushik also succumbed to the spinner's skillful variations.
The UAE batting lineup failed to score off 52 out of the 81 deliveries they faced, including two wides.
In response, India's chase resembled a practice session with Abhishek Sharma scoring 30 off 16 balls alongside Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 20 off nine deliveries.
Gill, making his return to T20 cricket, scored the winning runs off Simranjeet Singh, who coincidentally had bowled to him during his pre-teen years.
Highest win percentage by an Indian Captain in T20Is (minimum 10 matches):Suryakumar Yadav - 82.6%.
Rohit Sharma - 80.6%.
Virat Kohli - 66.7%.
Hardik Pandya - 62.5%.
MS Dhoni - 60.6%
Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch HereThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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