In Match 12 of the Asia Cup 2025, India achieved another dominant win by 21 runs against Oman at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Batting first, India scored 188/8. Samju Samson was the top scorer with 56 runs, and Abhishek Sharma gave an aggressive start. Oman began their chase in solid fashion, with Aamir Kaleem (64 runs off 46) and Hammad Mirza (51 runs off 33) laying the foundation following a steady powerplay. Oman looked in contention at one time, but India’s bowlers struck at important junctures. The chase eventually finished at 167/4, leaving Oman short of victory. However, they played their best game of the tournament so far. Below are the main reasons for Oman defeat:

1. Imposing Target Set by India

Although India tried out their batting order and Suryakumar Yadav didn't bat, India still managed to make a competitive total of 188 runs. Sanju Samson provided a strong performance with a half-century, while Abhishek Sharma got things going at a good pace. For Oman, it was too much against a leading side.

2. Lack of Acceleration Despite Strong Start

Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem, the openers for Oman, got them off to a solid start to finish 44/0 after the powerplay. Kaleem’s fifty kept them in the contest. But with the asking rate climbing, they failed to push harder in the middle overs.

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3. Crucial Wickets at Critical Moments

Aamir Kaleem (64 off 46) and Hammad Mirza (51 off 33) both fell at the wrong times for Oman. After their departures in the deathovers,s it was all pressure on Oman. The bowlers of India took to this and forced a comfortable win.

Absolute madness from 43-year-old Oman cricket team all-rounder Aamir Kaleem. He was on the verge of striking a hat trick as he took back-to-back two wickets during the Pakistan vs Oman Asia Cup 2025 match. 

On a hard track at Dubai International Stadium, Oman emerged as a surprising bowling unit against Pakistan in the first innings of the match. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha decided to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan lost their first wicket in the very first over of the match. A straight ball from pacer Faisal Shah drew first blood of the evening. After losing opener Saim Ayub, Pakistan tried to get some solidity in their batting. Mohammad Haris, with his 66 off 43, was able to put his team on track for a while. In exchange for a couple of wickets, Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark. 

At the moment when the Men in Green looked confident, Aamir Kaleem showed his mettle. The Karachi-born, who moved to Oman, got two wickets in two balls during the 13th over. At the age of 43, using all his experiences, Kaleem dragged Oman right back in the match. 

Read More: Asia Cup 2025, PAK vs OMA, Match 4: Pakistan vs Oman Toss update and Playing XI

Back-to-back 2 wickets for Aamir Kaleem:

On the fifth delivery of the 13th over, the spinner helped Oman to get rid of well-set Mohammad Haris. Observing the batter's stance, the veteran cricketer kept the ball fuller and down the leg. Haris had an intention to apply a reverse sweep but got only an inside edge. He found himself in an awkward position when the ball hit the deck. With an inside edge, the ball rolled back and hit the middle stump after clipping his back pad.

In the following delivery, Kaleem picked up the wicket of Pakistan skipper Agha. Agha went back to the hut with a golden duck. A full toss around the middle stump was enough to dismiss him. Agha chose to swipe it across but was not able to make a proper connection. Hammad Mirza at deep midwicket took a comfortable catch. 

Watch 2 wickets in 2 balls here

2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for Aamir Kaleem 🤩

Mohammad Haris gone, skipper Agha Salman follows 🚶

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