Saturday Nov 29, 2025
Saturday Nov 29, 2025
Saturday, 20 September 2025 01:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
India extended their unbeaten run in the 2025 Asia Cup with a 21-run win over Oman in their last group fixture yesterday, securing first place in Group A.
The defending champions were facing Oman for the first time in any format. Oman, already eliminated, finished the tournament without a win in their three outings. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also advanced to the Super Four stage, while Oman exited along with Afghanistan, the UAE and Hong Kong.
Batting first, India posted 188-8. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who had not been required to bat in the earlier matches, top-scored with 56 off 45 balls at No. 3. He shared useful stands with Abhishek Sharma (38 from 15), Axar Patel (26 from 13) and Tilak Varma (29 from 18). Oman’s left-arm seamer Faisal Shah returned figures of 2 for 23.
Oman’s reply was anchored by Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza after Kuldeep Yadav bowled Jatinder Singh for 32 in the ninth over. Kaleem made 64 from 46 deliveries while Mirza hit 51 from 33, reaching his half-century in 30 balls. Their 93-run stand off 55 balls brought Oman into contention with 133 still needed from the last 11 overs.
India regained control when Kaleem was caught by Hardik Pandya off Harshit Rana in the 18th over. Pandya then dismissed Mirza, and Arshdeep Singh removed Vinayak Shukla to become the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in men’s T20 internationals. Oman eventually fell short, finishing 21 runs adrift.
The Super Four stage begins today with Sri Lanka meeting Bangladesh. India faces Pakistan on Sunday. The four teams will play a single round-robin, with the top two qualifying for the final in Dubai on 28 September.
