Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
India’s win over Oman in the Asia Cup was marked by a memorable moment in the field when Hardik Pandya stopped just short of the advertising boards at fine leg to take a spectacular catch dismissing Oman's Aamir Kaleem. Fielding coach T Dilip celebrated the effort, which was the result of intensive catching drills that trained players to react like goalkeepers. Even Gautam Gambhir, known for his calm presence, was visibly anxious as the first two balls of the 18th over were hit for boundaries.
India’s Performance in Context
Although Oman’s 43-year-old player Kaleem created pressure with his experience, India’s bowlers held their nerve, ultimately winning by 21 runs. The match provided more than just a win; it was a chance for India to test their strategies and fielding efficiency ahead of the Super Four stage.
Middle-Order Batting Workout
For the first time in three matches, India batted the full 20 overs, giving middle-order batters valuable time at the crease. Suryakumar Yadav used eight bowling options during Oman’s innings, adjusting for Axar Patel, who was off the field after a head injury while attempting a catch. The extended batting allowed all players to practice and adapt to conditions on a larger Abu Dhabi ground.
Flexible Batting Order
India maintained their opening pair of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma but experimented with positions in the middle order. Sanju Samson came in at No. 3 after an early dismissal of Gill and scored a half-century despite a slow start. Abhishek Sharma supported Samson, using innovative shots to keep bowlers guessing, including slices over point, lofted hits over covers, and swats over mid-on.
Lower-Order Contributions
Tilak Varma contributed 29 off 18 balls, showing adaptability lower in the order. Axar Patel displayed batting skills against spin, while Hardik Pandya was unfortunately run out due to a deflection. Shivam Dube had limited opportunity but the match allowed the team to gauge the depth of their batting lineup.
Bowling Highlights
Arshdeep Singh impressed with the new ball, maintaining his line and generating movement, while Harshit Rana struggled with consistency. Kuldeep Yadav performed as expected, baffling the batters. The decision to give the new ball to Hardik Pandya indicated the team’s focus on building continuity and preparing for the longer challenges of the Super Four stage.
Preparing for the Super Four
The match served as an effective dress rehearsal for India before facing Pakistan in the Super Four. While imperfect at times, the exercise allowed the team to test strategies, build confidence, and experience realistic pressure situations. Oman’s competitive performance added intensity to a tournament that had seen several one-sided contests, providing India with valuable preparation for the next stage.
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