World champions India triumphed over a determined Oman team to secure victory in the final group match of the Asia Cup by 21 runs on Friday, remaining undefeated in the T20 tournament.
India had secured their place in the Super Four stage and scored 188-8 after opting to bat first in Abu Dhabi.
Oman, placed 20th in global T20 rankings, delivered an impressive batting display and concluded at 167-4, thanks to strong performances from Aamir Kaleem, who scored 64, and Hammad Mirza, who contributed 51.
The left-handed Kaleem and right-handed Mirza formed a partnership of 93 runs for the second wicket, trying to achieve the target with late boundaries that worried India.
Hardik Pandya ended the partnership with a spectacular outfield catch to get rid of Kaleem off Harshit Rana and then removed Mirza with his fast bowling in the following over.
Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh claimed the fourth wicket of the innings and his 100th in T20 internationals, becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve this milestone.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson was the highest scorer with 56, and his partnership for the second wicket with dynamic opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored 38 off 14 balls, set the foundation for India’s total.
Oman landed consistent hits in their initial encounter with the current T20 World Cup champions.
Shah Faisal, along with fellow left-arm pacer Jiten Ramanandi and left-arm spinner Kaleem, each claimed two wickets.
India and Pakistan advanced to the Super Four from Group A and will meet again on Sunday, a week after India’s players declined to shake hands with their neighbors following their win in a group match.
Sri Lanka face Bangladesh in the opening game of the Super Four on Saturday after both teams advanced from Group B.
