The Asia Cup has witnessed some remarkable highs and dismal lows over the years, but Wednesday’s group-stage clash between India and hosts UAE at the Dubai International Stadium added another unwanted record to the tournament’s history books. UAE collapsed for just 57 runs, registering the lowest-ever total in the competition’s history and breaking their own previous record.
Back in 2016, the UAE had managed only 81 for 9 against India in Mirpur, which until now stood as their worst batting performance in the Asia Cup. That mark has now been surpassed by this latest debacle, with their batting order simply failing to withstand India’s disciplined attack.
Earlier, Hong Kong held the infamous record for the lowest total in the Asia Cup, bowled out for 58 against Pakistan in 2022. On this occasion, however, UAE slipped below both Hong Kong and their own past efforts to claim the unwanted tag of the tournament’s lowest scorers.
The innings never gained any momentum. Opener Alishan Sharafu (22) tried to provide resistance, while Muhammad Waseem (19) chipped in with some intent. But apart from the two, none of the other batters managed to cross double digits, with the rest succumbing meekly to India’s bowling pressure. Seven UAE batters were dismissed for single-figure scores, highlighting the gulf between the two sides.
For India, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show, weaving his magic once again with a superb four-wicket haul.
All-rounder Shivam Dube backed him up effectively, scalping three wickets with his variations, while the rest of the attack maintained relentless pressure throughout. The spectacular collapse has left UAE reflecting on a nightmarish outing, one that highlights their continued struggles against top-tier opposition.
For India, the match provided the perfect platform to test their spin-heavy attack in conditions tailor-made for slow bowlers. Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has made a scathing remark regarding this dismal performance from UAE side.
Kris Srikkanth slammed UAE’S dismal performance vs IND in Asia Cup 2025
India had an easy outing against the UAE in Dubai. The defending champions won the contest by 9 wickets after dismissing the opponents for 57 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube dismissed 7 batters, and the chase of 58 runs was completed by Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth slammed the UAE and said that a win means nothing for India. He also questioned the talent of the UAE players and wondered whether it was right to allow the minnows to play in the Continental Cup.
“This was not a T20 match; it was like a T-5 match. The UAE batters were not interested in staying in the middle. Even a third division team won’t play like the UAE. What is the use of allowing teams like the UAE to play in the Asia Cup? The ardent fans of cricket will lose interest in the sport if non-Test playing nations continue to play in high-profile events,” he said on his Youtube channel.
“Kuldeep Yadav bowled well, but Shivam Dube was made to look like a deadly bowler. No discrediting Dube, but the UAE players gifted their wickets. This victory means nothing for India,” he added.
Srikkanth added that India are ahead of other teams in the tournament. India are favourites with only Pakistan and Sri Lanka capable of giving them a tough fight. Afghanistan are also a good team, but they have a poor record while chasing totals.
“India are ahead of everyone and beating rivals without any challenge. Shreyas Iyer will be a part of the team that will play in the 2026 T20 World Cup. They are dominating like the West Indies used to do in the late 1970s and early 1980s,” he concluded.
With this new record, UAE will now look to regroup and regain some pride in the remainder of the Asia Cup. However, their collapse in Dubai will long be remembered as one of the tournament’s most forgettable batting performances.
In the match between India and UAE, the latter was bowled out for 57 in 13.1 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased the total down in 4.3 overs with nine wickets in hand and 93 balls to spare. India will next square off against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.