UAE struggle in bowling as India wraps up match in just four overs

DUBAI: The UAE team had no answers against India’s strong bowling and batting as the hosts suffered a heavy defeat in their first Asia Cup match on home soil.

Chasing just 58 runs for victory, India reached the target in only 27 balls, losing just one wicket. Abhishek Sharma (30) was the only batter dismissed, after smashing two fours and three sixes in his 16-ball knock. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20 off nine balls, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav finished on seven off two deliveries. Junaid Siddique picked up the UAE’s lone wicket.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Jasprit Bumrah struck early before Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube ran through the UAE line-up. The hosts were bowled out for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs.

Kuldeep was outstanding, taking 4 wickets for 7 runs in his two overs, while Dube claimed 3 wickets for 4 runs in two overs. For the UAE, opener Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 22, while skipper Muhammad Waseem made 19. No other batter reached double figures. Apart from Kuldeep and Dube, Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket each.