MUSCAT: Oman will aim to finish their maiden ACC Asia Cup campaign on a positive note when they take on world champions India in their final Group A fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. After consecutive defeats against Pakistan and the UAE, Oman’s hopes of progressing to the Super 4s have been dashed, but skipper Jatinder Singh and his squad are determined to showcase their abilities on the international stage. The match, scheduled to start at 6.30pm Oman time, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Men in Red to demonstrate growth and resilience in elite-level cricket.
The Oman team has struggled with their batting so far, posting totals of 67 and 130 in their previous matches, with no batter crossing the 30-run mark. Hammad Mirza and Aryan Bisht offered glimpses of resistance with scores of 27 and 24 respectively, but the team will need a collective effort against India’s formidable bowling lineup. The Indian side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, boasts a mix of experienced pacers and spinners, including Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, testing Oman’s composure and technique under pressure for the first time in an official international fixture.
Despite the setbacks, the atmosphere within the Oman camp remains optimistic. Aryan Bisht, who top-scored against the UAE, emphasized the importance of learning from the Asia Cup experience. The team views this match not only as a final group encounter but also as preparation for the upcoming T20 Asia and East Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifiers in Muscat, where three of the nine participating teams will secure a spot in the 2026 edition. This forward-looking approach demonstrates Oman’s intent to build experience, improve performance, and gain confidence against higher-ranked opponents.
With the pressure off in terms of tournament progression, Oman are expected to play with freedom and take calculated risks against a top-tier Indian side. A spirited performance could boost morale and provide valuable lessons for the squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers at home. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium wicket remains an unknown factor, potentially influencing the contest’s dynamics, and Oman will need to adapt quickly to both pitch conditions and India’s depth in batting and bowling to leave a lasting impression in their Asia Cup debut.
