Aamir Kaleem shines, Oman fights valiantly despite Asia Cup loss to India.

  • September 19, 2025

India against Oman, Match number 12 of Group A, Asia Cup 2025 held in Abu Dhabi on September 19, 2025, became a memorable game where India scored 188/8 before securing victory by 21 runs. The confrontation put India’s batting prowess on display, and Oman’s resilient effort, spearheaded by seasoned all-rounder Aamir Kaleem, gained extensive praise for his courageous performance against the formidable Indian team.

Strategic Batting Performance Allows India to Reach an Impressive Score

Having won the coin toss at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, India chose to bat first on a pitch with a hint of sluggishness. Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma initiated an explosive start with a rapid 38 runs from just 15 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes during the initial powerplay overs. Even with Shubman Gill’s quick departure after scoring just 5, Sanju Samson played a stabilizing role, posting a well-composed 56 runs off 45 deliveries. Samson’s innings involved three fours and three sixes, marking him as the sixth Indian batter to attain a score of 50 or more in Asia Cup T20 Internationals.

The middle order provided valuable contributions, with Axar Patel‘s swift 26 runs off 13 balls and Tilak Varma‘s attacking 29 runs from 18 deliveries continuing the scoring momentum. Captain Suryakumar Yadav made the unconventional decision to bat at the end but did not get a chance to play, as India ended their innings at 188/8. Harshit Rana remained not out at 13, including a six in the final over, while Oman’s bowling attack, led by Shah Faisal (2/23) and Jiten Ramanandi, restricted India to under 200 runs.

Aamir Kaleem’s Courageous Play Inspires Oman’s Determined Effort

In reply, Oman exhibited commendable resilience, with the 43-year-old Kaleem leading the charge. His exceptional innings of 64 runs from 46 balls, which comprised seven fours and two sixes, demonstrated superb control and aggression. Kaleem achieved the record of being the oldest batsman to score more than 50 runs against a full-member nation in T20Is, surpassing Mohammad Nabi‘s previous record. His partnership with opening batsman Jatinder Singh (32) added 56 runs, laying a strong base.

Hammad Mirza offered excellent support, striking a brisk 51 runs off 33 balls, which included two successive sixes off Kuldeep Yadav, sustaining the chase. The pair’s 93-run partnership for the second wicket caused frustration for India’s bowling attack until Harshit Rana dismissed Kaleem, with Hardik Pandya completing a superb catch near the boundary. Despite the subsequent quick loss of wickets, Oman concluded their innings respectably at 167/4, falling short by 21 runs.

Kaleem’s all-around display, including taking two wickets with his bowling earlier, highlighted his importance to the squad. His passion and fighting attitude against India’s high-quality bowling earned accolades from fans across the globe, illustrating that associate nations can compete fiercely against top-ranked teams. This game reaffirmed India’s credentials for the Asia Cup while emphasizing the enthusiasm and commitment that make cricket genuinely universal.

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Also WATCH: Sanju Samson powerfully hits Shah Faisal for a huge six during the IND vs OMN game in the Asia Cup 2025

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