India fend off Oman to claim 21-run Asia Cup win

TDT | Manama

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India survived a spirited chase from Oman to secure a 21-run victory in their Asia Cup group clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Opting to bat first, India posted 188 for eight in their 20 overs.

Sanju Samson anchored the innings with a composed 56 off 45 balls, while opener Abhishek Sharma blasted 38 from just 15 deliveries to give the start momentum. Quick cameos from Axar Patel (26 off 13) and Tilak Varma (29 off 18) pushed India close to the 190-mark despite regular breakthroughs by Jiten Ramanandi and Aamir Kaleem, who claimed two wickets apiece.

Chasing 189, Oman began steadily through skipper Jatinder Singh (32) and Kaleem, who struck a fluent 64 off 46 balls with seven fours and two sixes. The partnership between Kaleem and Hammad Mirza (51 off 33) kept the chase alive until the final overs. However, India’s bowlers held their nerve, with Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh sharing the wickets as Oman were restricted to 167 for four.