WATCH: Hardik Pandya gets run-out in an unlucky manner during IND vs OMN Asia Cup 2025 clash

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In a sport where fortunes can turn in a single delivery, Hardik Pandya experienced the cruelest of blows during India‘s Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman. The star all-rounder’s much-anticipated return to the crease was cut short in a moment of sheer misfortune, leaving teammates and fans in a state of disbelief. His dismissal, a freak run-out without even facing a single legal delivery, became the talking point of the first innings, proving that even for a player of his calibre, cricket can be a game of inches and a touch of bad luck.

The incident occurred in the eighth over of India’s innings, with Sanju Samson and Pandya looking to rebuild after the loss of two early wickets. Oman’s left-arm pacer, Jiten Ramanandi, delivered a full ball to Samson, who drove it with power straight back down the pitch. In a reflexive, almost instinctive move, Ramanandi managed to get a fingertip on the ball.

This tiny deflection was all it took to change the course of events. The ball, with the bowler’s touch, ricocheted and crashed directly into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Pandya, who had backed up a few steps, was caught well short of his crease. He was dismissed for a single run, a truly unfortunate end to his stay.

Cruel game! Hardik is undone by the slightest of finger touches 😱

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Also WATCH: Sanju Samson hits Shah Faisal for a humungous six in IND vs OMN clash at Asia Cup 2025

While his batting outing was brief, Pandya’s impact on the game was not limited to his time at the crease. He later showcased his all-round brilliance in the field, taking a stunning catch to dismiss Oman’s Aamir Kaleem, who was threatening to take the game away from India. This catch, a moment of athletic brilliance, helped India regain control and eventually secure the victory.

Despite what was widely expected to be a straightforward win for India, Oman demonstrated remarkable resilience and pushed the tournament favorites to the limit. Chasing a target of 189, Oman’s openers Kaleem and Hammad Mirza put up a spirited fight, building a crucial partnership that rattled the Indian bowling attack. Kaleem, in particular, was exceptional, crafting a fine half-century against a world-class bowling lineup. Their aggressive yet measured approach in the middle overs kept Oman’s hopes alive and forced India to dig deep. While the pressure eventually told and India’s bowlers, led by crucial breakthroughs from Pandya and Harshit Rana, managed to seal a 21-run victory, the performance by the Omani team was a testament to their character and skill.

Also READ: Fans hail Aamir Kaleem’s zeal and Oman’s fight despite despite loss to India in Asia Cup 2025