Asia Cup 2025: India Advance to Super 4 as UAE Dominates Oman

India have secured a spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025, following a commanding all-round performance by the United Arab Emirates, who opened their account with a comprehensive win over Oman in Match 7 on Monday. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side have already defeated Pakistan and the UAE by heavy margins to progress ahead in the continental tournament.

UAE overwhelmed Oman by 42 runs, keeping their hopes of advancing to the Super 4 alive. Waseem anchored the innings with a patient 69 off 54 balls, getting out only in the final over, while opening partner Sharafu blazed his way to a 38-ball 51 after a slow start. Their efforts propelled the UAE to a competitive total of 172 for five.

The target proved too steep for Oman, who were bowled out for 130 in 18.4 overs. Siddique struck early, removing both Oman openers, Aamir Kaleem (2) and skipper Jatinder Singh (20), with just 23 runs on the board. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali (2/22) further dented Oman's hopes, reducing them to 50 for five by the seventh over.

Aryan Bisht and wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla tried to rebuild the innings, taking Oman to 74 for five in 10 overs. However, Bisht was bowled by Muhammad Jawadullah (2/18) while attempting an ambitious inside-out shot, and Jawadullah soon dismissed Jiten Ramanandi (13), bringing UAE closer to victory.

Earlier, Oman's left-arm medium pacer Ramanandi had offered a brief resistance with figures of 2/24 in four overs, following the explosive start by Waseem and Sharafu.

Sharafu, after a quiet first over, began punishing the bowlers, finding boundaries off Shah Faisal and medium pacer Hassnain Shah. Waseem, known for his aggressive style, joined the attack with three boundaries in Aamir Kaleem's first over. The duo's efforts ensured UAE reached 50 runs in the powerplay.

Despite some bowling changes by Oman, including the introduction of Jiten Ramanandi and leg-spinner Samay Shrivastava, Sharafu and Waseem continued their assault. Both batters benefitted from chances dropped by Hammad Mirza and Shakeel Ahmed, allowing UAE to reach 83 for no loss in 10 overs. Sharafu was eventually bowled by Ramanandi, ending the strong opening partnership.

With this win, UAE now face Pakistan on Wednesday, a match that could determine their progression to the Super 4, depending on India's result against Oman in their final group match. Both Oman and UAE had lost their opening matches of the tournament to Pakistan and India, respectively.