Why was Junaid Siddique Called Back Despite Getting Out Against India in Asia Cup?

An extraordinary display of sportsmanship occurred during Wednesday's Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match between India and the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, at the Dubai International Stadium, when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav withdrew an appeal even after the third umpire had declared a batsman out.

The event happened after Shivam Dube delivered a short delivery to Junaid Siddique in the thirteenth over of the UAE's innings. When the batter's pull shot failed to connect, he pointed out to the bowler that Dube's towel had fallen off in the middle of the run-up. Siddique strayed from his crease and neglected to ground his bat at that moment of distraction. Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper for India, saw the error immediately and hit the stumps with a straight throw. Siddique was officially out after the third umpire verified it, and the enormous screen displayed "OUT." Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, unexpectedly retracted the appeal, admitting that the batter had been uneasy due to the falling towel rather than his own mistake.

The audience applauded the gesture, highlighting the cricket passion that frequently characterises India's style of play. The UAE team's innings did not last long, but they were fortunate to survive that time due to India's kindness. Due to India's unrelenting bowling attack, the hosts were dismissed for a pitiful 57 runs. The game's standout, Kuldeep Yadav, dominated the middle order with four wickets, while Shivam Dube added three more to his total. India's methodical bowling made sure the UAE had no room to breathe at the crease.

Suryakumar Yadav To Carry the Legacy of Virat Kohli

Suryakumar's choice demonstrated India's self-assurance and commitment to justice, since they knew they had the capacity to rule without taking advantage of such a dismissal. Even though the game ended up being one-sided, the exchange between Siddique and Suryakumar served as a poignant reminder of cricket's ideals of sportsmanship and competition. India just needed 58 runs to score thanks to a potent batting lineup. Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl after winning the toss. The UAE's challenge was quickly dismissed by his bowlers, proving his assessment correct. Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, the opening batsmen, scored 26 runs for the first wicket. The initial breakthrough was made by Jasprit Bumrah.

UAE Hit the Lowest score in T20I

India quickly put an end to the UAE's innings, bowling the hosts out for 57 in 13.1 overs. With the ball, one of the best all-rounders in India, Shivam Dube made an impression, taking three wickets in a fast-paced two-over session. Kuldeep Yadav, however, was the standout of the match as he took four wickets, including three in a single over, including the crucial one of UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem, who only scored 19 from 22 balls. In addition to making his first appearance in T20I cricket since the World Cup the year before, Jasprit Bumrah took a wicket as India's bowlers put on a dominant display.

UAE now has an unwanted record to their name. The team has hit the lowest team total. Prior to this, their lowest score was 62 against Scotland at the same location in 2024. UAE has also been dismissed twice on 73. The lowest T20I total was New Zealand's 66 all out in Ahmedabad in February 2023, when one of the best all-arounders in the world, Hardik Pandya's four-wicket haul, helped the Kiwis bowl out for just 66 and current vice-captain Shubman Gill struck a 126-run knock.