Our Bureau
Dubai
The Indian team started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the hosts UAE in what turned out to be a lopsided affair like many had predicted. Many watched the game eagerly to see how the newly anointed vice-captain of the Indian team, Shubman Gill performs in his return to the Indian T20 setup. Gill did not disappoint in his return and chased down the target with an unbeaten knock of 20 runs off 9 balls.
The Test captain of India, Gill looked flawless in the middle in his return to the T20I setting as he played second-fiddle to the ever-aggressive Abhishek Sharma. But, there were moments in the game where Gill took the charge on UAE’s bowlers. In fact, Gill hit 2 fours and 1 six during his stay in the short innings.
When the Pakistani legend Wasim Akram watched Gill strike the ball out of the ground he was in awe of the beautiful strike by the right-hand batter. Akram lauded the Indian star with praises, hailing the brilliant shot with other worldly enthusiasm.
“Look at that shot, look at that shot, unbelievable into the stands. Just a flick of the risk, unbelievable shot,” Wasim said in the commentary box.
Talking about the match, India dominated the match just like everyone expected. Surya Kumar Yadav, after winning the toss decided to bowl first. UAE started off steadily losing just 2 wickets for 41 runs but as the spinners came, UAE crumbled and were bowled out for 57 runs in just 13.1 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for India and was awarded the Man of the Match award, bagging 4 wickets. Along with that all-rounder Shivam Dube also provided him support with 3 wickets while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy took a wicket each.
