Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson cracked a solid fifty in India's 21-run win over Oman in their last group stage match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue encountered un unexpected challenge from the side led by Jatinder Singh in their final league game of the Asia Cup. Without Samson's crucial 56 runs, India might have suffered an embarrassing loss right before the Super Four stage. Samson, who had not had a chance to bat in the previous games, was promoted to the number three position and took full advantage of the opportunity by scoring a brilliant fifty for his team.
Sanju Samson storms into history book with crucial fifty vs Oman
While this may not have been Samson's most aggressive innings—he reached his fifty in 41 balls, his slowest in T20Is—the conditions were difficult, and the Oman bowlers were performing exceptionally well. With wickets falling at the other end, Samson remained at the crease and steadily kept the scoreboard moving. His fifty was instrumental in helping India post a total of 188 for 8 in 20 overs.
Before the Asia Cup began, there were questions about whether Sanju Samson would even make it into the playing XI. While he had scored three centuries in the ten T20I innings leading up to the tournament, Shubman Gill's return to the top of the order meant Samson had to give up his opening spot, which also put his place in the team at risk. Despite this, captain Suryakumar Yadav chose him over Jitesh Sharma. Samson's brilliant performance against Oman helped him make history. The innings earned him the Player of the Match (POTM) award, making him the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to win three such awards in T20Is. He also became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a fifty in the T20 Asia Cup.
While India were the clear favorite to win against Oman, they likely had hoped for a more decisive victory. Suryakumar Yadav chose not to bat, a decision that almost cost the team the game. Oman's Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza scored 64 and 51 runs respectively, bringing their team dangerously close to an upset. However, India managed to maintain their composure under pressure and ultimately secured a 21-run victory.
India will now face Pakistan in the Super Four clash which is scheduled to be played on September 21.