India became the first team to book their place in the Super Four of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 after Oman slumped to their second defeat in a row, losing to the UAE by 42 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday.
With this result, Oman’s campaign came to a premature end, while India’s unbeaten run ensured top spot in Group A with two wins in two matches. Pakistan and the UAE now remain in contention for the second qualification spot.
India seal qualification, Oman crash out
India, who began their journey with a commanding win over the UAE and then outclassed Pakistan in the high-voltage clash on Sunday, sit pretty at the summit with four points and a formidable net run-rate of +4.793.
Pakistan, despite having the same points as UAE (two each), occupy second place courtesy of a healthier NRR of +1.649 compared to UAE’s -2.030. Oman, on the other hand, bowed out winless, their NRR sinking to -3.375.
India’s final group game is against Oman on Friday, while Wednesday’s clash between Pakistan and UAE in Dubai has turned into a virtual knockout for the remaining Super Four spot from Group A.
Waseem leads from the front
Opting to bat first, the UAE openers Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu gave their side a perfect launch pad. The pair rattled up a fifty partnership inside the powerplay, taking the score to 81 without loss at the halfway stage.
Sharafu struck a fluent 51 off 38 before falling to Jiten Ramanandi, while Asif Khan couldn’t make much of an impact. But skipper Waseem, calm and authoritative, held the innings together.
The UAE captain not only notched up his 24th T20I half-century but also became the first Emirati batter to cross 3,000 T20 runs — a landmark moment in his career. His 69 off 54 balls, studded with six fours and three sixes, formed the backbone of UAE’s innings. Cameos from Mohammad Zohaib (21 off 13) and Harshit Kaushik (19* off 8) propelled them to a strong 172-5 in 20 overs.
Oman falter under pressure
Chasing 173, Oman never really settled into rhythm. Junaid Siddique ripped through their top order, removing Aamir Kaleem and skipper Jatinder Singh inside the powerplay. With the score wobbling at 23-2, Oman were always on the back foot.
Quick strikes from Haider Ali and Mohammad Rohid left them gasping at 50-5 in just the seventh over. Aryan Bisht (24) and wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla (20) tried to rebuild with a stubborn stand, but their effort was too little, too late.
Jawadullah broke the partnership before Junaid returned to finish things off in style. The pacer claimed 4-23, ensuring Oman folded for 130 in 18.4 overs, falling well short by 42 runs.
What’s next?
The result has spiced up Group A. India are already through, but all eyes will now be on Pakistan vs UAE on Wednesday — a game that will decide who joins India in the Super Four.
For India, the final group match against Oman offers a chance to test their bench strength, while Oman will play for pride in their last outing of the tournament.
