Asia Cup 2025: Hammad Mirza, Aamir Kaleem Fifties Go In Vain As India Beat Oman By 21 Runs

Fantastic fifties from Hammad Mirza and Aamir Kaleem went in vain as India beat Oman by 21 runs in their last league match of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Both Mirza (51 off 33) and Aamir (64 off 46) slammed fifties and stitched a crucial stand of 93 runs for the second wicket but it was not good enough on the day as India eventually emerged victorious.

Chasing a challenging total of 189 runs, Oman’s innings was built around their experienced top order. Jatinder Singh made 32, before captain Aamir Kaleem lit up the chase with 64 off 46 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. He was complemented by Hammad Mirza’s entertaining 51 off 33 balls, which briefly swung momentum Oman’s way.

But once Kaleem departed in the 18th over, India tightened the screws. Hardik Pandya (1/26) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/23) bowled with control, while Arshdeep Singh claimed his 100th T20I wicket – becoming the first Indian male to reach the milestone.

Despite Oman finishing with more boundaries (24 to India’s 22) and even holding 63 percent of the momentum in the second innings compared to India’s 37 percent, the game’s decisive moments belonged to India’s bowlers at the death.

The ability to strike at key junctures – Hardik’s control in the middle overs, Kuldeep’s variation, and Arshdeep’s landmark 100th T20I wicket -tilted the balance in India’s favor.

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Sanju Samson’s Gritty Half-Century Guides India To 188-8

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India were off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 38 off 15 balls, which set the tone in the powerplay.

After Abhishek’s dismissal, the innings revolved around Sanju Samson’s composed 56 off 45 balls, laced with three boundaries and three sixes. Tilak Varma (29 off 18) and Axar Patel (26 off 13) played brisk cameos, while Harshit Rana’s late six ensured India closed on a competitive 188/8.

Oman’s attack had its moments – Shah Faisal’s 2/23 was particularly effective in slowing the scoring – but they struggled to contain India’s middle overs acceleration.