MUSCAT: Oman showcased remarkable resilience and skill in their Asia Cup Group A match against reigning champions India in Abu Dhabi, narrowly losing by 21 runs. Chasing 189, Oman fought valiantly to reach 167 for 4, highlighted by half-centuries from veterans Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza. The disciplined batting and effective partnerships kept the contest alive until the final overs, drawing praise from fans and Indian players alike. India’s innings had been propelled by Sanju Samson’s elegant 56 and Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 38, but Oman’s bowlers restricted them to 188 for 8, demonstrating strategic precision and determination.
Captain Jatinder Singh expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing their disciplined execution and character against the world’s top side. He highlighted the learning opportunity provided by facing such a formidable opponent, noting that the experience would be invaluable ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 Asia & EAP World Cup Qualifier in Muscat. Jatinder singled out Kaleem for his energy and consistency despite being over 40, and praised Jitenkumar Ramanandi for his versatility and team spirit, underlining the value of experience and dedication in high-pressure matches.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Player of the Match Sanju Samson also lauded Oman’s performance, with Yadav personally visiting the Omani dugout to provide encouragement and advice. Yadav emphasized the importance of mental composure and strategic play in T20 cricket, while Samson recognized Oman’s disciplined bowling, especially during the powerplay. This recognition from world-class players reinforced the confidence of the Omani squad, highlighting their potential to compete at higher levels and the importance of continued exposure to elite competition.
Looking ahead, Oman aims to build on this momentum by seeking opportunities for high-performance training and matches against domestic Indian sides. Jatinder stressed the importance of access to facilities like India’s National Cricket Academy and matches against Ranji teams to bridge experience gaps. Despite concluding the Asia Cup without a win, Oman’s players gained invaluable lessons, strengthened their confidence, and demonstrated that with discipline, skill, and teamwork, they can challenge top-tier international cricket teams while preparing for the World Cup qualifier in Muscat this October.
