India started the defence of their Asia Cup title with a relatively easy nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. The game opened the host of eight teams T20 extravaganza. This event will serve as a re-calibrating point for teams ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka.
Though they endured a rough opening, India’s hurlers would show brilliant ability in reasonably brief stints on the stump. Kuldeep Yadav opened the bowling attack and dominated the first innings with outstanding bowling figures of 4-7, as he wrecked the UAE batting order. Shivam Dube contributed significantly, claiming three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket by dismissing Alishan Sharafu for 22 runs off 17 balls. The blistering display by India’s bowlers held the UAE to just 76 runs.
In response, India quickly established dominance. India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill busted the panic with composure, featuring in a steady stand to provide stability with 20 runs. He capped it off with an outrageous game-winning boundary. Abhishek Sharma was the other significant contributor with a quick-fire 30 off 16 balls. In the other crease, Suryakumar Yadav held one end firm with a seven-ball unbeaten seven runs. India chased down the target in a matter of 4.3 overs.
It was the UAE’s batting effort that really collapsed under the pressure. Only our team captain, Muhammad Waseem, ever scored in double figures. He made 19 runs while the rest of his teammates put in a deplorable performance. This loss highlights how tough a task Los Ticos have on home soil in this pressure cooker of a tournament.
Next up, India has a hugely anticipated match against arch rivals Pakistan on Sunday. This game is already poised to attract national attention, as USC-Notre Dame always does, thanks to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams.
India’s success in the 2023 Asia Cup title was their eighth overall in the tournament’s history. They beat Sri Lanka in the final, held in Colombo and played under 50-over rules. The current T20 tournament presents an opportunity for the team to build on their success and refine their strategies before next year’s World Cup.
