India Maintains Perfect Start in Asia Cup
Abu Dhabi, September 19, 2025 — India continued its strong form in the Asia Cup 2025, defeating Oman by 21 runs in their final Group A match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The win ensures India tops the group and qualifies for the Super 4 stage unbeaten.
Oman displayed fighting spirit throughout the match, but India’s disciplined bowling and timely hitting with the bat kept the home team in control.
Match Overview
India: 188/8 in 20 overs
Oman: 167/4 in 20 overs
Result: India won by 21 runs
Batting first, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson provided stability to India’s innings. Samson top-scored with 56 off 39 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed a quick 38. Oman’s bowlers, led by Aamir Kaleem, put pressure on India but were unable to stop the scoring.
In reply, Oman’s partnership between Aamir Kaleem (64 off 46 balls) and Hammad Mirza (51 off 33 balls) brought them close to the target. Kaleem, at 43 years old, became the oldest player to score a fifty against India in any format, breaking a 79-year record. However, India’s bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, restricted Oman to 167/4, sealing the 21-run win.
Key Performances
Sanju Samson: Anchored India’s innings with a crucial half-century.
Suryakumar Yadav: Led from the front with strategic batting and field placements.
Aamir Kaleem: Set a historic record as the oldest to score a T20I fifty against India.
India’s Bowling: Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya controlled the final overs under pressure.
Implications for the Tournament
India’s victory confirms their Super 4 qualification, maintaining an unbeaten streak in the group stage. The team will face Pakistan in the first Super 4 encounter on Sunday in Dubai, setting up a high-stakes clash ahead.
Oman, though eliminated, can take pride in their competitive performance and Kaleem’s record-breaking innings, which will be remembered in Asia Cup history.