How Did Abhishek and Gill Lead India to a Nine-Wicket Victory Over UAE?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India won against UAE by nine wickets.
- Fastest chase in men's T20I history completed in just 4.3 overs.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were instrumental in bowling.
- Strong performances by openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
- This match sets a positive tone for India's 2025 Asia Cup campaign.
Dubai, Sep 10 (NationPress) Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill completed a modest chase in just 27 balls, leading India to a decisive nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This triumph marked a powerful start to their 2025 Men's Asia Cup campaign.
With Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube excelling with the ball, taking 4-7 and 3-4 respectively, India dismissed the UAE for a mere 57 runs. Abhishek (30) and Gill (20 not out) effectively dismantled the UAE bowling attack, ensuring the chase was completed effortlessly.
The pair, alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav (seven not out), achieved India's quickest chase in men's T20I history, finishing the match in just 4.3 overs, significantly enhancing their net run rate.
This emphatic victory for India, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, surpassed their previous record of 6.3 overs against Scotland during the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup, also held in Dubai.
For the UAE, it was a forgettable night. Their batting faltered against India's formidable bowling, and their bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive play of Abhishek, Gill, and Suryakumar.
Abhishek started strong, launching Haider Ali for a six over long-off and hitting the spinner for another boundary. Gill, returning to T20I action after over a year, also made his mark, slashing Muhammad Rohid for four and flicking a six over square leg.
Abhishek made the chase memorable with a back-foot six off Dhruv Parashar and then sliced the spinner for four. After pulling Junaid Siddique for six, Abhishek attempted another shot but was caught at mid-on.
Suryakumar opened his account with a signature swish over fine leg for six, while Gill pulled Simranjeet Singh past mid-on for four, sealing a resounding victory for the Indian team.
Brief Scores: UAE 57 in 13.1 overs (Alishan Sharafu 22, Muhammad Waseem 19; Kuldeep Yadav 4-7, Shivam Dube 3-4) lost to India 60/1 in 4.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 30, Shubman Gill 20 not out; Junaid Siddique 1-16) by nine wickets.