Asia Cup 2025: Who said what? after IND vs OMA match 12

India triumphed over Oman by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi to end the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a win. Though the result was much anticipated, Oman’s fearless spirit against a full-member side earned them widespread admiration.

India batted first, scoring 188 for 8. Abhishek Sharma got the innings underway with a rapid 38 off 15 balls, with five fours and two sixes. The innings progressed to the middle overs with Sanju Samson battling out a measured 56 off 45 balls as well as valuable contributions from Axar Patel (26 off 13) and Tilak Varma (29 off 18). Harshit Rana’s unbeaten 13 ensured India crossed the 180-run mark, even as Oman’s bowlers kept striking back. Shah Faisal (2/23), Jiten Ramanandi (2/33), and Aamir Kaleem (2/31) bowled with discipline to keep India in check.

Chasing 189, Oman showed great intent right from the powerplay. Skipper Jatinder Singh (32) and Aamir Kaleem (64 off 46) added 56 for the first wicket. Kaleem then partnered with Hammad Mirza (51 off 33) for a superb 93-run stand that kept the chase alive. Both batsmen, however, fell quickly towards the death overs and left Oman behind at 167 for 4. Their fighting effort was their second-highest total against a full-member team. For India, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya each got a wicket.

IND vs OMA: Who Said What?

Sanju Samson (Player of the Match):

“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 really 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.”

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain):

“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).”

Jatinder Singh (Oman Captain):

“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.”