Asia Cup 2025: India vs Oman, Match 12 - Who Said What?

Published - 19 Sept 2025, 23:41 IST | Updated - 20 Sept 2025, 00:24 IST

India got past Oman by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi to wrap up the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a hard-fought win. While ahead of the game the result was expected, but the way Oman fought drew immense praise.

India, having elected to bat first, put 188 for 8 on the board. The innings began with an aggressive intent from Abhishek Sharma, who hammered 38 off just 15 balls with five fours and two sixes. His cameo gave the team the momentum in the power play, but once he fell, the scoring rate slowed. Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya fell cheaply, while Axar Patel (26 off 13) played a handy cameo.

Sanju Samson anchored the innings with a 45-ball 56. Furthermore, Tilak Varma chipped in with 29 off 18, while Harshit Rana’s unbeaten 13 ensured India crossed 180. Oman bowled impressively, with Shah Faisal (2 for 23), Jiten Ramanandi (2 for 33), and Aamir Kaleem (2 for 31) keeping the opposition on the back foot. I

In reply, Oman began brilliantly. Skipper Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem added 56 for the first wicket, as they went all out in the powerplay. Jatinder eventually chopped one back onto his stumps off Kuldeep Yadav for 32.

Kaleem and Hammad Mirza constructed a superb 93-run stand for the second wicket, keeping Oman within distance. Kaleem hit seven boundaries and two sixes in his 64 off 46, while Mirza raced to 51 off 33 balls. When Kaleem was dismissed in the 18th over and Mirza followed soon after, Oman’s hopes decreased. They eventually finished at 167 for 4, their second-highest total against a full-member side, just 21 runs short of India’s mark. Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya took a wicket each.

It was humid and hot out there. Working on my fitness on the last few weeks. We just got a new trainer and did the Bronco test. Good to see I got to spend some time in the middle. They bowled reallt well. Have to give credit to Oman. Bowled well in the powerplay also, were swinging it upfront. I keep backing my strength to stay positive. Any contribution with the bat for your country, you have to take the positives.

Definitely I'll try from next game. Overall impressive, I feel, Oman played unbelievable brand of cricket. I knew with their coach, Sulu sir (Sulakshan Kulkarni), there will be khadoosness. It was amazing, really enjoyed watching them bat. It's a little difficult when you're sitting and suddenly you come out and play (talking about Arshdeep and Harshit). It's so humid here. Unfortunate how he got out but you can't keep him away from the game (talking about Hardik Pandya), the way he bowled and the way he got out. All set for Super Fours (when asked about the Sunday clash).

Extremely proud of the unit, the way they came up and executed the plans. Very proud of how they showed their character in crunch situations. The hype of the tournament was somewhere in the mind. As I've mentioned before, we lack experience and exposure. We have the World Cup Qualifiers in Oman, the boys are ready. I was telling him, that has become your favourite dismissal (talking of Jiten Ramanandi and his run-outs). He is a utility player and a team man. We are grouped with PNG and Samoa. Boys are ready and looking forward to the tournament.