Wrist Spinners Keep UAE Guessing
India’s wrist spinners bowled a total of 25 deliveries, and nearly half of them—11 balls—turned unexpectedly, keeping the UAE batsmen on their toes. Kuldeep Yadav made an immediate impact, dismissing Harshit Kaushik with a turning delivery that left the batter beaten.
Despite these spin variations, the evening’s biggest surprises came from areas beyond just bowling. India’s spinners did their job, but the real twists were in team selection, batting order, and player contributions.
orthonaill.weebly.com | quincyoffers.weebly.com | raghuveeryou.weebly.com
Toss and Team Sheet Surprises
Even before the first ball, India had its first twist. The team had lost 15 consecutive tosses in international matches, but this time the coin favored them. Suryakumar Yadav, tossing the coin alongside UAE captain Muhammad Waseem, added a playful moment to the start, bringing some lightness to the occasion.
Team selection also offered surprises. Jitesh Sharma, expected to keep wickets, was left out, and the gloves went to Sanju Samson. Samson, who had limited practice in the nets, was slotted at No. 5 in the batting order, a position he had rarely played before. This decision showed India’s tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment.
Kuldeep Yadav made a comeback after being ignored in five Tests in England. He bowled on a grassy pitch in Dubai, delivering a solid performance in his first T20I since the World Cup final. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh, a key left-arm pacer in India’s T20 World Cup campaign, was missing entirely.
Shivam Dube Shines with the Ball
One of the match’s unexpected stars was Shivam Dube. Usually picked as a seam-bowling allrounder, Dube bowled just two overs but claimed three wickets, outperforming his previous IPL seasons combined. His success reflected the work he has done with bowling coach Morne Morkel, who advised him on pace, slower deliveries, and using the crease effectively.
Dube’s performance was a reminder that unexpected contributions can come from players who are not traditionally seen as frontline bowlers. His confident bowling helped India maintain control over the UAE’s innings.
sandeepyou.weebly.com | amityou.weebly.com
Jasprit Bumrah and the Pace Attack
India’s pace attack looked different from usual. Jasprit Bumrah, normally the team’s most dominant bowler, appeared negotiable for most of the game. His fastest ball barely touched 140 km/h, and he ended as the most expensive among India’s wicket-takers. Yet, he delivered a perfect yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu, showing that even established stars can contribute in selective moments.
The overall bowling attack had its moments of effectiveness, but it was not the sharp, intimidating version fans usually expect. The variations in performance added an unusual twist to the night.
UAE’s Efforts and Challenges
The UAE started their innings decently, scoring 41 for 2 in the PowerPlay, but they collapsed to 57 all out. Their coach, Lalchand Rajput, admitted that his players were overawed by India’s big names. He also highlighted the difficulty in facing wrist spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy, who can trouble even experienced international batsmen.
The UAE’s candid acknowledgment of their struggles added a human element to the game. While the gap between the two teams remained large, moments of resistance from the UAE gave the match some unpredictability.
Batting Highlights
India’s batting largely went as expected. Abhishek Sharma impressed, hitting a first-ball six and setting a strong tone for the innings. Other batsmen contributed steadily, ensuring India’s victory. While there were no extreme surprises with the bat, the team’s approach showed adaptability, especially with players like Sanju Samson in the middle order.
The Crowd and Atmosphere
Another unusual aspect of the match was the stadium atmosphere. Unlike typical India games, the crowd was sparse and quiet, as it was a weeknight in Dubai. Despite the lower attendance, players maintained focus and delivered strong performances, showing professionalism regardless of the external environment.
Conclusion
India’s victory in Dubai was expected, but the match featured several surprises that kept fans engaged. From team selection and toss decisions to unexpected contributions from players like Shivam Dube and variations in the bowling attack, the game highlighted India’s depth and tactical flexibility.
The UAE showed glimpses of resistance, but the skill gap was evident. India’s ability to adapt and perform under varying conditions demonstrates why they remain a dominant T20 side. While the result was predictable, the twists throughout the night made it a memorable and insightful match for players and fans alike.