12th Match, Group A (N), Abu Dhabi – September 19, 2025
The Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 group stage concludes with a low-stakes Group A game between tournament heavyweights India and debutants Oman at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. While India have already booked their spot in the Super Four, Oman will be looking to finish their campaign on a high against a Full Member side.
Match Context
This is the first-ever meeting between India and Oman in any format, and it comes as a dead rubber – India top Group A and Oman are already out. Yet, both teams have plenty to gain.
- India will view this match as a chance to give bench players valuable game time. Several squad members, including Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma, haven’t played yet, while middle-order batters like Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson have had little time at the crease.
- Oman, meanwhile, see this as a final dress rehearsal before they host the Asia & East-Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifier for the T20 World Cup next month. A competitive showing here would be a confidence booster.
Recent Form
- India: WWWWL (last five T20Is)
- Oman: LLLLL (last five T20Is)
Players to Watch
- Sanju Samson (India): Retained as India’s middle-order wicketkeeper but yet to bat this tournament. This match could give him a chance to settle into his new role.
- Abhishek Sharma (India): The aggressive left-hander has been in blistering touch up top. Expect him to test Oman’s new-ball bowlers.
- Shakeel Ahmed (Oman): The left-arm spinner has been economical (4.71 economy rate) this Asia Cup, especially in the powerplay. He’ll be key if Oman want to restrict India early.
Team News
India have rotated their fast bowlers so far, playing only one frontline seamer in the previous games. With conditions in Abu Dhabi less spin-friendly than Dubai, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested, paving the way for Arshdeep Singh and/or Harshit Rana.
India (probable): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy.
Oman are expected to stick with their combination but could reshuffle their batting order to give senior players more time against quality opposition.
Pitch & Conditions
Abu Dhabi usually offers a balanced pitch with true bounce, slightly less turn than Dubai. Evening dew could assist chasing teams. Expect a first-innings score in the 160–170 range.
What’s at Stake
For India, it’s about preparation and rhythm ahead of the Super Four. For Oman, it’s about testing themselves against a world-class side, learning from the experience, and signing off with pride.
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