Suryakumar Yadav: India Eager for Pakistan Clash After Dominating UAE in Asia Cup Opener

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team was "excited" ahead of their Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, after leading his side to a commanding nine-wicket win over hosts UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. His comments come at a time when the fixture has drawn strong reactions back home, with sections of the public calling for India to avoid sporting ties with Pakistan.

“We all are excited, everyone wants to play a good game, and we are really looking forward to it,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation ceremony. His comments highlighted the team’s confidence after a clinical performance that set the tone for India’s campaign.

The recent Pahalgam terror attack has intensified calls for a complete break in sporting engagements between the two countries. Anger has also grown over the decision to allow the two teams to meet in the continental tournament being staged in the UAE.

India vs UAE Highlights: Asia Cup | Full scorecard

Those sentiments are expected to surface on September 14, when India meet Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Last month, the Indian government reiterated its policy of not engaging in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan. At the same time, it was confirmed that both countries will continue to play each other in international and multilateral competitions, clearing the way for their contests in ICC and Asian tournaments.

Meanwhile, India required just 106 balls to secure their opening match. Kuldeep Yadav ran through the UAE batting line-up, claiming four wickets as the hosts were bowled out for a paltry 57 in 13.1 overs. The chase was even quicker, with Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16 balls) and Shubman Gill (20 not out off nine balls) guiding India home in just 27 balls.

The effortless manner in which India chased down the target turned the match into what felt like a net session, with UAE bowlers struggling to find a line or length. In an interesting twist, left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh-who had bowled to Shubman in his pre-teens-conceded the winning runs.

"Clinical performance from the boys, we wanted good attitude and energy on the field and that's what we got. Recently lot of the boys were here for the Champions Trophy, the wicket looked good but it was on the slower side and the spinners have a role here," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.

Amid social media chatter questioning India's participation against Pakistan, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia defended the decision. "The central government's sports department has laid down guidelines for participation in multinational tournaments. That is what we are following," he explained.