World champions India wrapped up their Asia Cup group campaign on a winning note, defeating a determined Oman side by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi. The result extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and set up a much-anticipated Super Four clash against Pakistan.
Having already qualified for the next stage, India opted to bat first and posted 188 for 8, built on the back of a fluent 56 from wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. His second-wicket stand with opener Abhishek Sharma, who blazed his way to 38 off just 14 deliveries, gave India early momentum.
Oman’s bowlers, however, struck at regular intervals to restrict the total, with Shah Faisal, Jiten Ramanandi, and Aamir Kaleem each claiming two wickets.
Oman, ranked 20th in the ICC T20 standings, showed no signs of intimidation against the reigning T20 World Cup winners. Their chase was anchored by a superb partnership between left-hander Aamir Kaleem and right-hander Hammad Mirza, who added 93 runs for the second wicket.
Kaleem’s 64 and Mirza’s 51 kept Oman in the hunt, as they took on India’s bowlers with flair and composure.
The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion. Hardik Pandya pulled off a stunning running catch to dismiss Kaleem off pacer Harshit Rana, breaking the threatening stand. Pandya then returned in the very next over with the ball, using his pace to remove Mirza and swing the game back India’s way.
From there, India’s experience shone through. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh claimed the fourth wicket, reaching a personal milestone of 100 wickets in T20 internationals — becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve the feat. His dismissal effectively sealed Oman’s fate, as the team eventually closed their innings on 167 for 4.
Despite the defeat, Oman won plenty of admirers for their fearless batting approach and sharp bowling against one of world cricket’s giants. For India, the match served as both a test and a reminder that smaller teams can pose significant challenges on big stages.
India’s victory means both they and Pakistan progress from Group A, setting the stage for another high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals on Sunday. Their last encounter was marred by controversy when Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the game, a moment that drew headlines across the cricketing world.
From Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the Super Four, with their clash scheduled for Saturday. The knockout stage promises intense competition as Asia’s finest vie for continental supremacy.
For now, though, India will draw confidence from their unbeaten group campaign while acknowledging the scare that Oman provided in Abu Dhabi. The focus now turns to the blockbuster face-off against Pakistan — one that could define the momentum of the Super four stage.