In a decisive Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai, India’s wrist-spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav turned the contest on its head with a masterful spell that outfoxed Bangladesh’s batters and secured a crucial win. Kuldeep Yadav‘s return of 3/18 in four overs dismantled the middle order, leaving Bangladesh chasing shadows in pursuit of 169. Backed by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 75 at the top, Kuldeep’s craft sealed India’s 41-run victory and booked their spot in the final.
India’s Batting Sets the Stage
Before Kuldeep’s artistry came into play, India had already set the tone through Abhishek Sharma’s fireworks. The young opener was unstoppable, smashing 75 off 37 balls with six fours and five sixes. He combined with Shubman Gill (29 off 19) for a blistering 77-run opening stand in 6.2 overs, which put Bangladesh on the defensive from the outset.
Though India’s middle order wavered after Sharma’s dismissal, Hardik Pandya added a crucial 38 off 28 balls to carry the side to 168/6 in 20 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, tried to claw back control, but the damage from Sharma’s assault was too great to contain.
Bangladesh’s Lone Resistance
In their chase of 169, Bangladesh needed a strong foundation. Instead, they were pegged back early and forced to play catch up. The only resistance came from Saif Hassan, who produced a fighting knock of 69 off 51 balls, including five sixes that briefly lifted Bangladesh’s hopes.
But around him, the lineup crumbled. None of the other batters managed to cross 25, and their inability to rotate strike or counter India’s spin made the chase increasingly uphill.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Magic
The defining moment of the game came when Kuldeep Yadav was introduced into the attack. The left-arm wrist-spinner immediately put the brakes on Bangladesh’s scoring, teasing batters with his drift, dip, and sharp turn. His clever variations left the opposition guessing, and wickets came in quick succession.
Kuldeep’s dismissal of Towhid Hridoy, deceived by flight and beaten in the air, epitomized his control. He later foxed Shakib Al Hasan, who misread the googly and perished cheaply. By the time his spell ended, Kuldeep had figures of 3/18, effectively ending Bangladesh’s resistance and exposing the tail.
With every over, Bangladesh’s required rate climbed steeply, and their middle order was left bewildered by Kuldeep’s artistry. His spell wasn’t just about wickets—it was about control, suffocating the opposition into mistakes.
Supporting Cast Delivers
Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance was complemented by India’s all-round bowling effort. Axar Patel chipped in with key breakthroughs, using his accuracy to frustrate the batters, while Varun Chakaravarthy also struck at crucial moments. Together, the trio ensured Bangladesh never found a partnership to challenge India’s grip on the game.
India’s fielders added to the pressure with sharp catches and quick work in the circle, denying Bangladesh easy singles and forcing risky shots.
In the end, Bangladesh were bundled out for 127 in 19.3 overs, collapsing well short of the target.
What This Win Means
For India, the win was more than just another tick in the column it was a statement. Their batting firepower and bowling versatility were both on display, showcasing why they remain unbeaten in the tournament. Kuldeep Yadav’s spell, in particular, reaffirmed his value as a match winner who thrives in crunch contests.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed chances. Saif Hassan’s lone effort stood out, but without support and with their batters failing to read Kuldeep, their campaign ended in disappointment.
On a night where Abhishek Sharma set the platform, it was Kuldeep Yadav’s guile that delivered the knockout blow. His magical spell foxed Bangladesh’s batters, dismantling their chase and proving once again why wrist-spin remains cricket’s most lethal weapon in T20s. For India, the 41-run win not only sealed their place in the Asia Cup final but also underlined the balance and depth that makes them formidable. For Bangladesh, it was another painful lesson in failing to counter India’s spin web.