WATCH: Wasim Akram in complete awe of Shubman Gill’s dazzling six in IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 game

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Team India began their Asia Cup 2025 journey on a high note with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday. The Men in Blue displayed an all-round performance as the bowlers completely dismantled the UAE batting unit, restricting them to just 57 runs – the second-lowest total in Asia Cup T20 history.

Winning the toss proved to be a nightmare for UAE as their decision to bat first backfired heavily. India’s bowling attack was simply unstoppable on the day. Jasprit Bumrah struck early with a fiery spell, finishing with one wicket in his three overs, while his new-ball partner kept things tight. The real destruction, however, came from the spinners and all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav produced a magical spell, claiming four wickets in just 2.1 overs to break the back of UAE’s batting. Shivam Dube chipped in with two crucial wickets from his two overs, showcasing his utility as a part-time bowler. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel also joined the party, scalping a wicket each to ensure UAE had no way back. The hosts were eventually bundled out for a forgettable 57

With a modest target on the board, the Indian openers ensured there were no hiccups in the run chase. Vice-captain Shubman Gill, making a return to the side, looked in supreme touch. Partnering with Abhishek Sharma, he stitched together a quick-fire stand of 48 runs in under four overs. While Abhishek took the aggressive route early on, Gill complemented him with elegant strokes.

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Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off just nine deliveries, hitting two boundaries and a breathtaking six that left everyone in awe. Abhishek, on the other end, blazed away with 30 off 16 balls before departing, but by then the job was almost done. India wrapped up the match in just 4.3 overs, registering one of the most convincing wins in T20 history.

One of the standout moments of the game came when Gill flicked a delivery off his pads for a towering six into the leg-side stands. The effortless timing and wristy elegance reminded many of the greats of Indian cricket. Watching from the commentary box, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram couldn’t contain his excitement and lauded the young batter.

“Now leg side, look at that shot, look at that shot. Unbelievable, into the stands, a flick of the wrist, unbelievable,” Akram exclaimed as the crowd roared in appreciation.

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India’s triumph also etched their name in the record books. The Men in Blue completed the chase with 93 balls to spare – the second-most by a Full Member team in T20Is, only behind England’s 101-ball win over Oman in 2024. Sri Lanka’s 90-ball win over Netherlands in 2014 and Zimbabwe’s 90-ball win against Mozambique in 2024 round up the list.

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