By Prasad Ray

Copyright odishatv

The Asia Cup 2025 opened with a strikingly one-sided contest leaving former India captain Ajay Jadeja questioning the tournamentrsquos format. India thrashed the United Arab Emirates UAE by nine wickets in just 4.3 overs raising concerns about whether associate nations benefit from such encounters.
Indiarsquos Ruthless Start
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl a decision quickly vindicated. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with sensational figures of 4 for 7 while Shivam Dube claimed 3 for 4. UAE despite a steady start of 26 without loss crumbled spectacularly to 57 all out in 13.1 overs. Only captain Muhammad Waseem 19 and Alishan Sharifu 22 showed brief resistance while the rest of the line-up folded meekly.
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Jadejarsquos Concerns
Speaking on Sony Sports Ajay Jadeja admitted India were far superior but lamented the lack of fight from the UAE.
ldquoThere was no contest at all. It is disheartening as the Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament. Lopsided matches like this do not encourage associate teams but rather discourage themrdquo he remarked.
Jadeja stressed that the competition must reconsider its eight-team structure if games continue to be so uneven.
UAErsquos Defence
UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput however struck a defiant note. He insisted that playing against India was invaluable offering his players a chance to measure themselves against world-class opposition.
ldquoEven small improvements against teams like India and Pakistan give our boys confidence for future matchesrdquo Rajput said.
What Lies Ahead
India now top Group A with a staggering net run rate of +10.483 and are set for a high-voltage clash with Pakistan on 14 September. UAE will look to bounce back against Oman a day later.