The Men in Blue achieved their fastest-ever T20I chase, gunning down UAE's paltry 57 in merely 4.3 overs - a performance that left the Dubai crowd stunned and opponents warned.
Kuldeep's Magical Comeback
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav stole the spotlight on his international return after six months, weaving magic with figures of 4/7 in just 2.1 overs. The wrist-spinner's three-wicket burst in his second over triggered UAE's collapse from a promising 47/2 to a humiliating 57 all-out.
"It felt like watching an artist at work," former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram commented on air, as Kuldeep's variations left UAE batsmen clueless.
Explosive Chase Sets New Record
Abhishek Sharma announced his intentions by launching the very first ball of India's chase for six over long-off, setting the tone for carnage. The Punjab southpaw smashed 30 off 16 balls with three towering sixes before departing.
Shubman Gill, making his T20I comeback after over a year, remained unbeaten on 20 off nine balls, including a sublime six over fine leg that had Akram jumping from his commentary box.
The chase concluded when captain Suryakumar Yadav deposited his second ball into the stands, sealing victory in just 27 balls faced - breaking India's previous fastest chase record by nearly two overs.
This comprehensive victory sends a clear message to Asia Cup rivals, particularly arch-nemeses Pakistan, whom India face on September 14. Under new captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir, this new-look Indian team appears hungry for their ninth Asia Cup crown.
With such clinical execution in both departments, India's title defense is off to a dream start.
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