India crush UAE with 27-ball chase

Defending champions India launched their Asia Cup campaign in ruthless fashion, thrashing hosts UAE by nine wickets after chasing down a modest target in just 27 balls at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (September 10).

Put in to bat, UAE crumbled against India’s pace-spin attack, folding for just 57 runs. Jasprit Bumrah struck early to remove opener Sharafoo (22), while captain Wasim failed to settle. Kuldeep Yadav ripped through the middle order with a three-wicket burst in the ninth over, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts lose eight wickets for only 10 runs.

In reply, India’s openers wasted no time. Abhishek Sharma smashed 30 off 16 balls before departing, while Shubman Gill (20 off 9) ensured the chase was wrapped up inside 4.3 overs, sealing one of India’s most dominant wins in Asia Cup history.