MUSCAT: Oman captain Jatinder Singh expressed disappointment over his team’s defeat to the UAE in their Asia Cup Group A clash in Abu Dhabi but maintained that the side is making steady progress at the highest level. After UAE posted 172/5, Oman faltered to 130 all out in 18.4 overs. Jatinder praised the UAE batters for executing their plans efficiently and acknowledged that Oman lost momentum by losing wickets at crucial stages of the chase. Despite the result, he stressed that the experience gained from such matches will help his team mature and perform better in the future.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Jatinder highlighted how the pitch conditions shifted as the evening wore on, benefiting the UAE’s batting effort. He noted that the ball came onto the bat more easily later in the match, making the opposition’s innings smoother. Jatinder said Oman had intended to build a strong foundation in the powerplay but fell short of that objective. He reflected on his own dismissal, admitting that UAE’s Junaid Siddique deceived him with a slower delivery, catching him early on the shot.
Aryan Bisht, one of Oman’s younger batters, reinforced his captain’s views, emphasizing that the Asia Cup is an important platform for learning and growth. The 20-year-old pointed out that competing against Test-playing nations offers invaluable exposure and will strengthen the team over time. He admitted that Oman failed to stick to its strategies in the game against UAE but promised a stronger showing in their final group match against India. Bisht’s remarks underscored the collective belief within the squad that these setbacks are stepping stones toward future success.
Meanwhile, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem celebrated his team’s dominant performance and credited their preparation and aggressive approach for the win. Having surpassed 3,000 career runs in the match, Waseem called the victory a proud moment for his side, especially after a heavy loss to India in their opening fixture. He said the UAE team had prepared diligently for three days and executed their game plan with precision, particularly in the powerplay. For Oman, the upcoming match against India represents another stiff challenge, but Jatinder and Bisht see it as an opportunity to continue learning and building experience on the international stage.
