India’s spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav turned the Dubai International Cricket Stadium into his stage on Tuesday night, rewriting the Asia Cup record books with a spell that will be remembered for years. His figures of 4 for 7 against UAE not only dismantled the hosts but also saw him leapfrog Pakistan’s vice-captain Shadab Khan on the list of best bowling performances in Asia Cup T20 history.
From Shadab to Kuldeep – a new chapter
For three years, Shadab’s 4/8 against Hong Kong in Sharjah (2022) stood as the gold standard for spinners in the tournament. Kuldeep went one better. With pinpoint accuracy and sharp turn, he ran through UAE’s middle order, conceding just seven runs in his spell.
His effort is now officially the second-best bowling performance in Asia Cup T20 history, behind only Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s stunning 5/4 against Afghanistan in 2022 – the tournament’s lone five-wicket haul.
Best Bowling Figures in Men’s T20 Asia Cup:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/4 vs Afghanistan, 2022
- Kuldeep Yadav – 4/7 vs UAE, 2025
- Shadab Khan – 4/8 vs Hong Kong, 2022
- Mohammad Nabi – 4/17 vs Hong Kong, 2016
- Lasith Malinga – 4/26 vs UAE, 2016
UAE’s resistance crumbles
UAE briefly threatened with an opening stand of 26 runs between Alishan Sharafu (22) and skipper Muhammad Waseem (19). But once Jasprit Bumrah broke through with a yorker, the collapse was merciless.
Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket, and then Kuldeep spun his web. His four wickets triggered a slide where UAE lost their last six wickets for just nine runs, tumbling to 57 all out in 13.1 overs.
Shivam Dube (3 wickets), Axar Patel, and Bumrah ensured the damage was complete, giving India a modest chase.
Batting fireworks seal the deal
In reply, Abhishek Sharma lit up the Dubai sky with a 16-ball 30, smashing two fours and three sixes. His opening stand of 48 with Shubman Gill (20 off 9)* all but finished the contest before India crossed the line in just 4.3 overs, the fastest T20I chase in their history.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav added the finishing touch with an unbeaten 7, while UAE’s only wicket came through pacer Junaid Siddique.
Kuldeep’s place in Asia Cup folklore
This performance not only cements Kuldeep’s status as India’s premier white-ball spinner but also adds another fiery chapter to the India–Pakistan rivalry, with his name now above Shadab Khan’s in the Asia Cup records.
As India march ahead in the tournament, Kuldeep’s spell is more than just numbers – it’s a reminder that on the biggest stages, he thrives under pressure.
