Arshdeep’s Unusual Century in India’s 21-Run Win

In their second match of the Asia Cup, India sealed a Super Four spot with a victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, leaving the group-stage clash against Oman as a mere formality. With little at stake, the Indian players carried a relaxed attitude at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Despite setting a target of 189, India couldn’t fully dominate the game and eventually secured a win by only 21 runs. To defend their total, India used as many as eight bowlers, though only four of them managed to take wickets. The highlight came in the final over when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Vinayak Shukla with the first delivery, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in T20 internationals.

Chasing 189, Oman put up a spirited fight, finishing on 167/4 after their allotted 20 overs. Their performance contrasted sharply with Pakistan’s tame showing against India, where the contest was one-sided.

Oman’s chase began with a steady opening stand of 57 between captain Jatinder Singh and Amir Kaleem. Though the partnership progressed at a modest pace, it laid a strong foundation. Kuldeep Yadav broke the stand by removing Jatinder (32) at the team score of 57.

The best partnership of the match came for the second wicket between Kaleem and Hammad Mirza. Together they added 92 runs in fine style. Kaleem played a valuable knock of 64 off 46 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes before Harshit Rana ended his stay at 149. Shortly after, Hammad was dismissed, but not before scoring a brilliant 51 off 33 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes, falling to Hardik Pandya.

When Hammad departed in the 19th over, Oman still needed 40 runs from the last two overs. Though he briefly raised hopes with an early boundary, Pandya’s breakthrough left Oman in trouble.

Needing 34 runs off the final over, Oman’s task was steep. On the very first ball, Arshdeep dismissed Vinayak Shukla (1), reaching the landmark of 100 T20I wickets in just his 64th match—the first Indian to achieve the feat. However, the celebration turned bittersweet as Oman’s Ramanda struck two consecutive boundaries and added another four off the final delivery. Oman eventually closed at 167, 21 runs short.

India’s bowling card showed variety but little penetration. Of the eight bowlers used, only Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana managed to take wickets. Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma all bowled an over each without success, while Shivam Dube went wicketless in his 3 overs.

Earlier, India—sent in to bat—lost opener Shubman Gill (5) with the score on 6, Shah Faisal providing Oman’s first breakthrough. Abhishek Sharma (38) and Sanju Samson then steadied the innings with a 66-run stand. However, at 72/2, Ramanandi removed Abhishek, and soon after, Pandya was run out for just 1, leaving India wobbling at 73/3.

Samson anchored the innings with a composed 56 off 45 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Useful cameos from Axar Patel (26 off 13) and Tilak Varma (29 off 18) helped India post 188/8 in their 20 overs.

For Oman, Shah Faisal, Jiten Ramanandi, and Amir Kaleem took two wickets apiece. Like India, Oman also turned to seven bowlers to try and contain the Indian batting lineup.

Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his steady 56 off 46 deliveries.