India have beaten UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in their Asia Cup title defence.
India maintained their flawless record in the 2025 Asia Cup with a 21-run win over Oman in Abu Dhabi. The victory, in their final Group A match, saw the defending champions top the group and advance to the Super Fours.
Samson Shines as India Post 188
Batting first, India relied on wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who finally got a chance to showcase his form. Coming in at number three, Samson top-scored with a brisk 56 off 45 balls.
Opener Abhishek Sharma contributed a fiery 38 from just 15 deliveries, while Axar Patel added 26 off 13. Tilak Varma’s quick 29 off 18 helped India reach a competitive 188 for 8 in 20 overs. Oman’s left-arm pacer Faisal Shah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 23.
Oman Fight Back with Kaleem and Mirza
Oman began their chase with promise, but Kuldeep Yadav struck early, removing Jatinder Singh for 32 in the ninth over. The chase, requiring 133 runs from 69 balls, saw Aamir Kaleem (64 off 46) and Hammad Mirza (51 off 33) put on a 93-run partnership for the second wicket. Mirza reached his half-century off just 30 balls, injecting hope into Oman’s innings.
However, India’s bowlers pulled things back at a crucial stage. Kaleem’s dismissal in the 18th over, caught by Hardik Pandya off Harshit Rana, ended Oman’s faint chances. Pandya then removed Mirza, and Arshdeep Singh took Vinayak Shukla’s wicket to mark his milestone of 100 T20I wickets.
India Clinch Top Spot in Group A
With this win, India finished Group A unbeaten, securing the top spot. Pakistan, along with Group B qualifiers Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, join India in the Super Fours. Oman, winless in their three games, exit alongside Afghanistan, UAE, and Hong Kong.
Super Fours to Begin This Weekend
The Super Four stage kicks off on Saturday, 20 September, with Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh. India are set to clash with Pakistan on Sunday. The round-robin format will see all four teams play each other, with the top two advancing to the final in Dubai on 28 September.
India’s Asia Cup campaign continues to impress, blending solid batting performances with timely breakthroughs in bowling. The defending champions look determined to retain their title.
