India maintained their unbeaten run in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, securing a 21-run win over Oman in Abu Dhabi. While Oman displayed resilience with the bat, the Indian side’s superior depth ensured they walked away with the points and confirmed their place in the Super 4s with confidence.
India Post Competitive Total After Winning Toss
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav continued his proactive approach by choosing to bat first after winning the toss. The decision paid dividends as India built a challenging total on the back of a well-paced half-century from Sanju Samson, who anchored the innings effectively.
- Samson’s knock steadied the innings after early wickets threatened to slow momentum.
- India eventually finished at 188/8, a score that provided both cushion and pressure in a competitive Abu Dhabi setting.
- Oman’s bowlers, however, ensured India didn’t run away with the game. Shah Faisal, Aamir Kaleem, and Jiten Ramanandi each claimed two wickets, keeping the Indian batting lineup under constant check.
This balanced contest between bat and ball set the stage for an engaging second half.
Oman Fight Bravely in Run Chase
Chasing 189, Oman were widely considered underdogs against a star-studded Indian lineup. Yet, their response was nothing short of spirited.
- Aamir Kaleem and Hammar Mirza led the fightback, both scoring half-centuries that kept Oman alive deep into the innings.
- The pair combined solid stroke play with smart running between the wickets, frustrating the Indian bowlers at times.
- Despite their best efforts, Oman finished at 167/4 in 20 overs, falling 21 runs short.
Though the scoreboard reflected a defeat, Oman left the field with pride, having challenged one of the tournament favorites.
Sanju Samson’s Impactful Knock
Sanju Samson’s innings deserves special mention. Known for his aggressive flair, Samson adapted to the situation, pacing his innings smartly. His half-century not only provided India with stability but also lifted the total to a par-plus score on a tricky pitch.
Samson’s ability to anchor the middle overs while rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries highlighted his maturity. Performances like these bolster India’s batting depth heading into the Super 4s.
Bowling Highlights
While India’s batting set the tone, Oman’s bowlers deserve credit for their disciplined effort:
- Shah Faisal: Delivered sharp spells and removed key Indian batsmen.
- Aamir Kaleem: Excelled with both bat and ball, showcasing his all-round abilities.
- Jiten Ramanandi: Bowled with control and claimed two crucial scalps.
For India, their bowlers may not have been at their ruthless best, but they did enough to keep Oman in check. The ability to defend totals under pressure situations will serve them well in upcoming clashes.
India’s Group Stage Journey
With this victory, India completed the group stage unbeaten, having earlier defeated UAE and Pakistan. Their dominance ensures they carry momentum into the Super 4 stage, where the intensity will rise significantly.
- India’s first Super 4 game is set to be against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
- That high-voltage clash will test India’s adaptability and nerves under pressure, especially given the stakes.
For Oman, this loss marked the end of their Asia Cup 2025 journey. Despite being eliminated, their spirited fight against India will remain a highlight of their campaign.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- India’s batting depth continues to be a strength, with different players stepping up in crucial moments.
- Sanju Samson’s composed knock highlighted his growing importance in India’s middle order.
- Oman’s resilience proved they can stand tall against cricketing giants, even if the results don’t always go their way.
- India’s bowling unit will need to tighten up ahead of the Super 4s, as stronger batting sides await.
Looking Ahead
The victory over Oman was not just another group-stage win—it was also a confidence booster ahead of the Super 4s, where India face tougher opposition. The management will be pleased with Samson’s form and the team’s ability to post defendable totals, but fine-tuning in bowling and fielding departments will be necessary against heavyweight opponents.
For Oman, while their Asia Cup journey ends here, the experience of competing against top teams like India and Pakistan will serve as invaluable preparation for future regional and ICC tournaments.
Final Word
India’s 21-run win over Oman capped off a strong group stage performance in the Asia Cup 2025. With Samson shining and bowlers doing just enough, the Men in Blue now shift their focus to the Super 4s, where their first test comes against Pakistan.
Oman, though out of the tournament, earned respect with their fighting spirit—particularly through Kaleem and Mirza’s half-centuries. While results didn’t fall their way, their spirited challenge against India was one of the most entertaining moments of the group stage.
