Abu Dhabi, Sep 19 (UNI) India, after choosing to bat, fashioned a well-paced 188 for eight from their 20 overs against a spirited Oman in the 12th Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here today.
It was a start full of intent. Young Abhishek Sharma, fresh and unencumbered, drove and lofted with clarity of purpose for a sparkling 38 from only 15 balls. His clean striking, highlighted by a majestic blow over long-off to close the powerplay, set a buoyant tone after Shubman Gill had been bowled for five by a late-swinging delivery from Shah Faisal.
Sanju Samson, steady at first, then fluent, provided the innings’ backbone. He struck a polished 56 off 45 deliveries, his timing sure as he found the gaps with three fours and lifted three handsome sixes. At the other end, Axar Patel’s sprightly 26 from 13 balls and Tilak Varma’s neat 29 in 18 supplied depth through the middle overs.
Oman, though, refused to drift. Left-arm spinner Aamir Kaleem prised out Axar and Shivam Dube, while Faisal added Samson to his earlier scalp of Gill. Jiten Ramanandi’s canny medium pace accounted for Abhishek and Varma, and his sharp reflexes produced two run-outs — Hardik Pandya and later Arshdeep Singh — both unfortunate victims of ricochets back onto the stumps.
The close was not without flourish. Harshit Rana, unruffled by the quick wickets, cleared extra cover for six off the final ball from Faisal, giving India a tidy finish at 188.
Oman will now require 189 for what would be a memorable win in an inconsequential match. The stage is set for an absorbing chase under the Abu Dhabi lights.
