Muscat – Oman may have lost to world champions India by 21 runs in their concluding Asia Cup encounter in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Friday, but the spirited showing earned them respect, not only from their captain Jatinder Singh but also from Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Player of the Match Sanju Samson.

Set a stiff target of 189, Oman showed maturity and resilience to finish at 167 for 4, driven by two well-crafted half-centuries from Aamir Kaleem (64) and Hammad Mirza (51). Their partnerships kept India’s bowlers on edge and ensured the contest remained competitive until the final overs. For many in the crowd at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Oman’s ability to stand toe-to-toe with the tournament favourites was the true story of the night.

India’s innings had earlier been built around Samson’s fluent 56 off 45 balls, which featured elegant stroke play and crisp timing. Abhishek Sharma chipped in with a breezy 38 off 15, while Oman’s bowlers stuck to their plans and kept the run flow in check. Shah Faisal (2 for 23) was particularly impressive with the new ball, while Kaleem (2 for 31) and Jitenkumar Ramanandi (2 for 33) chipped in to restrict India to 188 for 8, a total that at one stage looked like it could go well beyond 200.

Jatinder Singh, reflecting on his side’s effort, was full of praise for his players.

“I am extremely proud of the unit. The way they came up, they had their plans and executed them well. They were very much in the present. So proud of the way they have shown their character in the crunch situation… the boys have shown great character in front of the world number one team. The hype of the tournament was there in the mind. We lack a little experience and exposure,” the captain said.

For Jatinder, the experience of playing against India was as valuable as the performance itself. With the ICC T20 Asia & East-Asia-Pacific (EAP) World Cup Qualifier set to be hosted in Oman next month, involving nine nations, he believes his team is learning vital lessons.

“This game was a blessing in disguise. We have a World Cup qualifier happening in Oman in October and the boys are ready,” he added.

Three teams from the participating nine teams will qualify for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup with Oman, under coach Duleep Mendis, aiming to make it for the fourth time and second in succession.

The skipper also singled out all-rounder Ramanandi, who impressed with both ball and energy in the field.

“I was telling him that deflecting the ball onto the stumps and running out the non-striker has become his favourite dismissal. He is a utility player and a team man. The way he shows up, the energy he passes on to the others, it is really commendable,” added Jatinder.

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Samson, whose half-century proved decisive, admitted India had been tested. “They bowled really well. Have to give them credit for the way they bowled and batted. They bowled well in the powerplay, swinging the ball up front. You take two balls to set your eye in and that is the only way to go in this format,” said the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed that sentiment and was quick to acknowledge Oman’s effort. “Oman played an unbelievable brand of cricket. Knowing their coach (Duleep Mendis), I knew there would be something from them. It was amazing. I really enjoyed watching them bat,” said the skipper, whose side had to dig deep at times to maintain control.

Oman may have fallen short on the scoreboard, but their spirited display left a lasting impression. From disciplined bowling to composed batting under pressure, the team showed they can compete with the very best. As they conclude their Asia Cup campaign, Oman walk off the field with heads held high, proud of the character, and resilience they displayed against world champions India.

Brief scores: India 188 for 8 (Sanju Samson 56, Abhishek Sharma 38; Shah Faisal 2-23, Aamir Kaleem 2-31, Jitenkumar Ramanandi 2-33) beat Oman 167 for 4 (Kaleem 64, Hammad Mirza 51) by 21 runs.