Sunday 14 / September / 2025
MUSCAT: The T20I Asia Cup rolls into its second week with a fixture that carries more than just points. On Monday afternoon, neighbours Oman and hosts UAE square off at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, both seeking redemption after bruising opening defeats and a chance to prove their credentials on Asia’s biggest stage. The match kicks off at 4pm.
Duleep Mendis-coached Oman’s debut in the competition began on a disappointing note, as they were bowled out for 67 chasing Pakistan’s 160, slipping to a 93-run defeat.
Yet there were glimmers of promise. Veteran spinner Aamir Kaleem struck with three wickets while medium pacer and debutant Shah Faisal made an impression with three wickets. Left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed’s miserly spell also caught the attention of many during the match. Hammad Mirza’s 27 was the only innings of substance with the bat.
Captain Jatinder Singh chose to focus on those positives. “Our team is a lot better than what we performed today, and we’re confident we can do better,” he said.
“The bowling and fielding were encouraging. What we need is rhythm with the bat, and we will play positive cricket against UAE.”
For the hosts, the campaign began in the harshest way possible. Up against India’s formidable attack, UAE were bundled out for a mere 57 before their opponents chased the target in less than five overs. It was a sobering reminder of the gulf in class at the elite level, but captain Muhammad Waseem was quick to stress that one result would not define his side.
“We are a better side than we showed against India, as you saw in the tri-series,” Waseem said.
“We have played Pakistan’s bowlers, we have played Afghanistan’s bowlers. [India] are a very good team and it was a great experience for us. We will show a good next game. We know Oman, they know us, and we will try to make a good result.”
The contest promises to be evenly poised. Conditions, too, may have a say. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has produced average first-innings scores in the 150s during this tournament, with chasing sides winning two of the first three matches. With this the only day game of the group stage — starting at 4:00 pm — toss could play a role.
For both teams, the stakes are clear. Pride and the faint hope of advancing further all hinge on Monday’s result. Beyond the numbers, however, there is also the pull of a Gulf rivalry being played out on a continental stage — and with it, a chance for Oman and the UAE to remind the region, and themselves, that they belong.
