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India Defeats Oman by 21
India emerged victorious by 21 runs in their final league match of the Asia Cup 2025 against Oman. Despite a late surge by Oman’s Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza, India managed to defend a challenging total of 188/8. This match was a perfect blend of aggressive batting and tactical bowling, with notable contributions from Samson, Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav.
India clinched a thrilling win by 21 runs over Oman in the final league match of the Asia Cup 2025, held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on September 19. The match was a must-win for India to advance, and they did so with a balanced display of batting, bowling, and fielding.
India's Batting: Samson’s Vital Knock
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India started with a bang. Abhishek Sharma's aggressive 38 off 15 balls, including 5 boundaries, set the tone. However, the batting collapsed a bit after the early breakthroughs. Shubman Gill (5), Hardik Pandya (1), and Shivam Dube (5) all failed to contribute much.
The pressure was mounting until wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson played a captain’s knock, scoring 56 off 45 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes. His composed innings helped stabilize India’s middle order. Axar Patel (26 from 13 balls) and Tilak Varma (29 from 18 balls) contributed well with rapid cameos, lifting India to a total of 188/8 in 20 overs.
In the end, Harshit Rana (13* off 8 balls) and Kuldeep Yadav (1* from 3 balls) ensured India reached a challenging total.
Oman's Response: Kaleem and Mirza Shine
Chasing a daunting target of 189, Oman’s top-order showed promise, with Jatinder Singh (32 off 33 balls) and Aamir Kaleem (64 off 46 balls) building a solid partnership. Kaleem, in particular, looked dangerous, hitting 7 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Mirza's fiery 51 off 33 balls kept Oman’s hopes alive. The pair added 115🤔 runs for the second wicket.
However, India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (1/23) and Harshit Rana (1/25), kept the pressure on. Even as the required run rate climbed, Oman’s middle order faltered under pressure. Despite a late fightback from Jiten Ramanandi (12* off 5 balls) and Zikria Islam (0* off 2 balls), Oman fell short, ending their chase at 167/4 in 20 overs.
Key Performers of the Match
Sanju Samson: 56 runs off 45 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) – A solid foundation for India in the middle overs.
Aamir Kaleem: 64 runs off 46 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) – Played a brilliant knock under pressure.
Kuldeep Yadav: 1/23 in 3 overs – An economical spell, picking up a crucial wicket.
Harshit Rana: 1/25 in 3 overs – Key role in breaking Oman’s partnership.
India's Bowling and Fielding: A Complete Team Effort
While the batters gave Oman a challenging target, India’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Hardik Pandya (1/26) and Arshdeep Singh (1/37) provided crucial breakthroughs. Axar Patel (0/4) and Shivam Dube (0/31) offered vital overs in the middle. India’s fielding was sharp, with multiple run-outs, including the key dismissal of Hardik Pandya.
Player of The Match-Sanju Samson
Todays Match
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Conclusion
India’s 21-run victory was a fitting end to the group stage in the Asia Cup 2025. The team will look to build on this momentum as they head into the knockout rounds, confident in their all-round ability.
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