India remain unbeaten in Asia Cup 2025 group stage
India narrowly escaped an upset in their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman, clinching a 21-run win that secured their spot in the Super Four. The Men in Blue maintained their unbeaten run, but it was skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s post-match gesture that stole the spotlight.
After the match, Yadav was seen spending time with the Omani players, sharing valuable tips and answering their questions about T20 cricket. The moment was hailed as a true example of sportsmanship and quickly won admiration from fans across the cricketing world.
Omani players inspired by Surya’s words
Speaking after the game, Oman captain Jatinder Singh praised Yadav’s interaction.
“Surya spoke about the game and praised us, which means a lot. Our boys had questions on how to handle different phases of a T20 match, and it was wonderful to have that conversation with him,” Singh said at the presentation ceremony.
Ahead of the encounter, Oman’s squad had expressed their excitement at playing alongside cricketing idols. Yadav’s willingness to guide them highlighted the camaraderie and respect between the two sides. Post-match, both teams were also seen clicking pictures together, further underlining the spirit of the contest.
India survive Oman scare with strong finish
On the field, India elected to bat first but faced early hiccups when Shubman Gill departed cheaply. Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 38 off 15 balls provided much-needed momentum, allowing Sanju Samson to settle and build his innings. Samson anchored the innings even as wickets fell around him, helping India post 188/8 in 20 overs. Interestingly, captain Yadav did not get a chance to bat.
Oman’s chase started brightly with a 56-run opening stand between Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem. The middle order, led by Hammad Mirza and Kaleem, kept the pressure on with crucial half-centuries. At one point, an upset seemed possible as Oman looked well-placed to chase down the target.
However, Hardik Pandya turned the game around with a brilliant catch to dismiss Kaleem for 64, followed by the wicket of Mirza (51). That double blow ended Oman’s hopes as they fell short at 167/4 in their 20 overs.
India vs Pakistan next in Super Four showdown
With this win, India advanced to the Super Four stage, where they will face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, September 15, at the Dubai International Stadium. The high-voltage clash will set the tone for the next phase of the tournament, with both teams eager to stamp their authority.
For India, while the close win exposed areas to improve, Yadav’s leadership and sportsmanship ensured the evening ended on a positive note both on and off the field.