India Secure Top Spot in Group A
India became the first team to qualify for the Super Four stage of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 after the UAE defeated Oman by 42 runs at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday.
With two wins in two matches, including victories against the UAE and arch-rivals Pakistan, India sit comfortably at the top of Group A with four points and a healthy net run-rate of 4.793. Their final group match against Oman on Friday will have no bearing on their qualification.
Pakistan and UAE Face Do-or-Die Clash
The UAE’s win not only eliminated Oman but also set up a high-stakes clash with Pakistan on Wednesday in Dubai. Both sides are level on two points each, but Pakistan currently hold the edge with a superior net run-rate of 1.649 compared to UAE’s -2.030. The encounter is likely to act as a virtual knockout for the second Super Four berth from Group A.
UAE Shine With Bat and Ball
Batting first, UAE openers Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu gave their side a flying start, racing to 81 without loss by the 10th over. Sharafu reached his 10th T20I fifty before falling for 51 off 38 balls, while Waseem anchored the innings with a composed 69 off 54 deliveries — becoming the first Emirati player to cross 3,000 runs in T20 cricket.
Cameos from Mohammad Zohaib (21 off 13) and Harshit Kaushik (19* off 8) lifted UAE to a competitive 172-5.
In reply, Oman faltered early, losing both openers inside three overs. Junaid Siddique starred with the ball, claiming 4-23, while Haider Ali and Jawadullah chipped in with key wickets. Oman’s middle order offered brief resistance through Aryan Bisht (24) and Vinayak Shukla (20), but the chase collapsed to 130 all out in 18.4 overs.
Oman Bow Out Winless
The defeat confirmed Oman’s exit from the tournament, finishing bottom of Group A without a win and a net run-rate of -3.375.
