UAE Triumphs Over Oman by 42 Runs in Crucial Asia Cup 2025 Clash in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates national cricket team secured a decisive 42-run victory against Oman in a pivotal Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 held at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 15, 2025. This win keeps the UAE's hopes alive for advancing to the Super 4 stage of the tournament.

Chasing a par total of 172 set by the UAE, Oman struggled throughout their innings, ultimately being bowled out for 130 runs within 18.4 overs. The UAE batting was anchored by openers Alishan Sharafu and captain Muhammad Waseem, who combined for a robust 94-run partnership. Sharafu played aggressively, scoring 51, while Waseem offered steadfast support, notching his 24th T20I fifty and surpassing 3000 T20I career runs.

Harshit Kaushik contributed a valuable cameo of 19 runs at the end of the innings, helping UAE reach a defendable total of 172 for 5 wickets. The UAE bowlers responded with disciplined execution, particularly Junaid Siddique, who claimed a career-best four-wicket haul to dismantle Oman's batting lineup within the powerplay overs.

For Oman, only one of the top five batsmen reached double digits, and despite brief boundary-scoring efforts from Aryan Bisht and Vinayak Shukla, the team's chase never gained momentum. Economical spells from bowlers like Shakeel Ahmed, Jiten Ramanandi, and Hassnain Shah early on were overshadowed by insufficient containment against UAE's batsmen.

The match's context was notable, as both teams had endured difficult starts, coming off multiple consecutive losses in the tournament. UAE's victory against Oman sets up a crucial upcoming match against Pakistan, with the hosts aiming to capitalize on this momentum to advance further.

Playing XIs featured prominent players including UAE’s Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), and bowlers Junaid Siddique and Harshit Kaushik. Oman fielded key contributors like captain Jatinder Singh, Aamir Kaleem, and spinner Shakeel Ahmed.

This result is significant for UAE cricket, offering a resurgence in their campaign after a heavy defeat to India in their opening game. With the Asia Cup 2025 heating up, this match has added intrigue to Group A's qualification battle.