India have won the toss and decided to bat first against Oman in their final group stage fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, being played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. What makes this encounter special is that it’s the first time India and Oman are meeting at the international level, adding a unique edge to what might otherwise have been a routine group game.
India’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to set a target, banking on his team’s batting depth and the dry Abu Dhabi surface, which has generally offered support to spinners as the match progresses. The decision also reflects India’s intent to give their top order some time in the middle ahead of the knockout rounds.
For Oman, led by Jatinder Singh, the occasion is monumental. They’ve had a spirited run in the tournament so far, and facing India provides both exposure and an opportunity to test themselves against one of the giants of world cricket. The Omani skipper admitted at the toss that the game was about more than just points—it was about belief and experience.
The Indian XI features a blend of youth and experience. Abhishek Sharma will open alongside Shubman Gill, with Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, and captain Suryakumar Yadav forming the middle order. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel add all-round balance, while Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh make up the bowling attack.
Oman, meanwhile, are sticking to their tried-and-tested core. Jatinder Singh will anchor the batting with support from Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza, while Vinayak Shukla keeps the gloves. Their bowling will rely heavily on spinners Aryan Bisht and Zikria Islam, with Shakeel Ahmed and Jiten Ramanandi providing pace options.
The Zayed Stadium crowd, which includes a large South Asian presence, is expected to cheer both sides warmly. For India, it’s about fine-tuning before the semifinals; for Oman, it’s about making history and showing they belong on the big stage.
