Match 2 | India vs United Arab Emirates | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025
Match 2 | India vs United Arab Emirates | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025
The second clash of the DP World Asia Cup 2025 saw cricketing powerhouse India take on the spirited side of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was a match that drew great interest, not just because of India’s star-studded line-up, but also due to UAE’s growing reputation as a fighting associate team that refuses to back down. Played in front of a lively crowd, the game produced moments of skill, determination, and entertainment.
Toss and Build-up
The UAE skipper won the toss and opted to field first, a decision influenced by the fresh pitch conditions that seemed to offer early assistance for the seamers. Their plan was clear—restrict India with early breakthroughs and then chase with intent.
India, meanwhile, saw this as a perfect chance to test their batting depth. With experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside youngsters such as Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, the balance of experience and flair was visible from the start.
India’s Innings – A Commanding Display
India’s openers walked in confidently, determined to set the tone.
Rohit Sharma started in his typical style, pulling short deliveries to the fence and showing authority. His 40 off 27 balls gave India the fast start they wanted.
At the other end, Shubman Gill provided elegance and calmness. He rotated strike beautifully and punished anything loose. His knock of 55 runs from 44 balls held the innings together.
The partnership between Rohit and Gill ensured India scored freely during the powerplay. When Rohit was dismissed, Virat Kohli entered to a roaring welcome. The veteran looked in supreme touch, mixing controlled singles with trademark cover drives. His steady 62 runs off 46 deliveries was the anchor around which India built their innings.
Then came the fireworks from Suryakumar Yadav (SKY). Known for his audacious stroke play, SKY lit up the ground with 48 runs off just 22 balls, smashing the UAE spinners all over the park. His 360-degree range made it nearly impossible for bowlers to set a field.
In the final overs, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant added quick runs, ensuring India crossed the 190 mark.
India Innings Summary:
Total: 198/4 in 20 overs
Top Scorers: Virat Kohli (62), Shubman Gill (55), Suryakumar Yadav (48)
Best Bowler (UAE): Zahoor Khan (2/34)
UAE’s Bowling Effort
Despite conceding a big total, UAE showed flashes of brilliance with the ball:
Zahoor Khan impressed with his variations, dismissing both Rohit Sharma and SKY at crucial moments.
Junaid Siddique bowled a fiery spell early on, troubling Gill with bounce and pace.
Ahmed Raza, the experienced spinner, kept things tight in the middle overs.
However, India’s depth and ability to accelerate made all the difference.
UAE’s Chase – A Brave Effort
Chasing 199 was always a tall order, but UAE approached the target with intent.
Muhammad Waseem, their star opener, attacked from the start. His 34 runs from 25 balls included some cracking shots against India’s pace attack.
Chirag Suri tried to anchor the innings with a steady 28, but the required run rate kept climbing.
India’s bowlers were ruthless.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled with pinpoint accuracy, delivering yorkers and slower balls that choked the scoring. He dismissed Chirag Suri with a peach of a delivery and ended with 3/20.
Kuldeep Yadav spun webs around the UAE middle order. His two wickets included the dangerous Rohan Mustafa, who had scored a fighting 21.
Arshdeep Singh struck twice in the death overs, showing maturity with his variations.
Despite some resistance from Aizaz Khan and the lower order, UAE eventually fell short, finishing at 137/8.
UAE Innings Summary:
Total: 137/8 in 20 overs
Top Scorers: Muhammad Waseem (34), Chirag Suri (28), Rohan Mustafa (21)
Best Bowlers (India): Jasprit Bumrah (3/20), Kuldeep Yadav (2/24), Arshdeep Singh (2/27)
Key Moments of the Match
Rohit Sharma’s Aggression: His early boundaries gave India the momentum.
Gill & Kohli Partnership: Their calm and composed batting stabilized India’s innings.
SKY’s Explosive Knock: His power-hitting in the death overs took the game away from UAE.
Bumrah’s Early Strike: His dismissal of Chirag Suri killed UAE’s momentum.
Kuldeep’s Breakthrough: Getting rid of Rohan Mustafa sealed the result for India.
Player of the Match
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his classy 62-run innings. His calm presence at the crease allowed others to play freely around him, proving once again why he remains India’s backbone in major tournaments.
Match Result
India won by 61 runs
India: 198/4 (20 overs)
UAE: 137/8 (20 overs)
Conclusion
India delivered a professional performance, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling. The top order, led by Gill and Kohli, laid the foundation, SKY provided the fireworks, and the bowlers, spearheaded by Bumrah and Kuldeep, finished the job with precision.
For UAE, there were encouraging signs. Muhammad Waseem’s fearless batting and Zahoor Khan’s smart bowling stood out, reflecting the progress they have made in recent years. Although they lost, they competed with heart and showed moments that earned them applause.
The victory puts India in a strong position in the DP World Asia Cup 2025, giving them early confidence before bigger challenges ahead. UAE, on the other hand, will take positives from this game, focusing on building consistency and preparing to push harder in their next fixtures.
Final Score:
India won by 61 runs
