Abu Dhabi, 20 September (Sports Desk)
Location: Zayed Cricket Stadium,
India secured a hard-fought 21-run victory over Oman in the 12th match of the Asia Cup 2025 Group A at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Friday. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted 188/8 in 20 overs, with Sanju Samson’s gritty 56 off 45 balls anchoring the innings. Oman, chasing 189, managed 167/4 in their 20 overs, despite valiant half-centuries from Aamir Kaleem (64) and Hammad Mirza (51). Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, taking 3/26 and becoming the first Indian to reach 100 T20I wickets.
Match Summary
India’s innings got off to a fiery start with Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 38 off 15 balls, including three sixes. Samson steadied the middle order with his composed knock, featuring five boundaries. Axar Patel (26 off 13) and Tilak Varma (29 off 18) added quick runs in cameos, but Oman’s bowlers, led by Shah Faisal (2/23), Kaleem (2/31), and Jiten Ramanandi (2/33), kept the pressure on, restricting India to 188/8.
watch…..India Demolishes UAE by 9 Wickets in Asia Cup 2025 Opener
In the chase, Oman started cautiously but built momentum through Kaleem’s aggressive 64 off 35 balls and Mirza’s steady 51. Kaleem, turning 44 in November, scored 15 off 13 in the powerplay before unleashing 18 off nine against Shivam Dube. However, Hardik Pandya’s 1/26 and Kuldeep Yadav’s 1/28 dismantled the chase. Arshdeep’s final over sealed the win, with a stunning catch by Hardik at long-leg off Harshit Rana dismissing Kaleem. Oman finished 21 runs short, their second-highest total against a full-member nation.
India remains unbeaten in Group A, advancing to the Super Four with confidence. Oman, winless in three matches, looks ahead to the T20 World Cup Asia & East-Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifier.
watch….India’s Dominant Display: Thrashing Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
Key Performances
-
Sanju Samson (India): 56 off 45 (5×4) – Anchored the innings.
-
Aamir Kaleem (Oman): 64 off 35 – Battling half-century.
-
Hammad Mirza (Oman): 51 – Gave Oman hope.
-
Arshdeep Singh (India): 1/37 – Reached 100 T20I wickets.
Post-Match Notes
-
Arshdeep became the third-fastest full-member bowler to 100 T20I wickets (64 matches), behind Rashid Khan (53) and Wanindu Hasaranga (63).
-
Oman’s 167/4 was their second-highest against a full-member side.
-
India’s bowlers applied pressure, limiting Oman to 18 runs in the last 4 overs.
