New Delhi: Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the Indian players are excited for their upcoming clash against Pakistan after hammering UAE by 9 wickets in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025. India dominated the proceedings with the bat and the ball to crush UAE in a lop-sided encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday.
Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube picked up seven wickets between them to run through the UAE batting line-up and help India skittle out the home team for a paltry 57 runs after skipper Suryakumar won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. India made short work of the target, chasing it down in just 4.3 overs to secure their biggest win in terms of balls to spare.
Many were left surprised by Suryakumar’s decision to bowl first after winning the game, however, the Indian skipper explained the call. He also labelled the performance as clinical, while showering praise on Kuldeep and others. He also explained why India opted for three spinners in the XI and played Jasprit Bumrah as the only specialist seamer.
“Wanted to see how the wicket was playing (On bowling first). It was the same in the 2nd innings. Clinical performance from the boys, we wanted good attitude and energy on the field and that’s what we got,” Suryakumar said after India’s 9-wicket win.
“Recently, a lot of the boys were here for the Champions Trophy, the wicket looked good but it was on the slower side and the spinners have a role. Here it is very hot right now and Kuldeep did well, got good support from Hardik, Dube and Bumrah,” he added.