How Did Sanju Samson's 56 Anchor India to Their Third-Highest T20I Total Against Associate Nations?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Sanju Samson's gritty half-century of 56 runs led India to a commendable total of 188/8 against Oman in their concluding league match of the Men's T20 Asia Cup. Discover how this performance ranks among India's best against Associate nations and the pivotal moments that shaped the game.
Key Takeaways
- Sanju Samson's
- India's total of 188/8 ranks as their third-highest against an Associate nation.
- The bowling performance from Oman was commendable, particularly from their spinners.
- Harshit Rana's late cameo added crucial runs to India's total.
- India's ability to recover from early setbacks shows their depth and resilience.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 19 (NationPress) A determined half-century by Sanju Samson (56 off 45) propelled India to a total of 188/8 in their 20 overs, marking their third-highest score against an Associate nation in T20Is during their final league match of the Men's T20 Asia Cup at the packed Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.
The innings concluded dramatically with a colossal six from Harshit Rana, but Oman’s bowlers deserve commendation for maintaining their composure and stopping India from surpassing the 200-run threshold. India's only higher totals against Associate teams are 202 for 4 against Nepal in Hangzhou 2023 and 192 for 2 against Hong Kong in Dubai 2022.
Earlier, captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bat first, but the beginning was less than ideal as vice-captain Shubman Gill was dismissed by Faisal Shah for a mere five runs in the second over.
Abhishek Sharma responded aggressively, scoring 38 off just 15 balls in a whirlwind performance that electrified the Power-play before Jiten Ramanandi claimed the breakthrough. India made a surprising decision to elevate Hardik Pandya to the number four position, but his innings was abruptly cut short due to an unfortunate run-out.
Samson struck a straight drive, and Ramanandi managed to get a fingertip on it during his follow-through, resulting in Pandya being run out for only 1 at the non-striker’s end.
The innings regained its rhythm when Axar Patel joined Samson, with the duo adding 45 runs off just 23 balls for the fourth wicket. Axar’s quickfire contribution of 26 runs from 13 balls ended swiftly, and shortly after, Shivam Dube fell cheaply for five, leaving India in a precarious position at 130 for 5 in the 14th over. Tilak Varma, who was surprisingly pushed down to number seven, came in to support Samson.
While Samson took on the anchor role, albeit starting slowly, he eventually found his rhythm and reached a hard-earned half-century off 41 balls — the third slowest by an Indian in Men’s Asia Cup T20 history. Enduring the sweltering heat, Samson’s innings concluded at 56, providing India with the stability they required. Meanwhile, Tilak contributed a valuable 29 runs off 18 balls to enhance the total further.
Harshit Rana delivered a useful cameo at the end, striking cleanly before finishing the innings with a massive six as India concluded at 188/8 after their 20 overs. Notably, skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not bat, opting instead to let his teammates shine.
For Oman, the bowling accolades were shared among Faisal Shah, who recorded figures of 2 for 23, Jiten Ramanandi with 2 for 33, and Aamir Kaleem, who took 2 for 31. The trio of spinners claimed six wickets collectively, curtailing India from achieving a larger score.
Brief scores:
India 188/8 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 56, Abhishek Sharma 38; Aamir Kaleem 2-31, Jiten Ramanandi 2-33) against Oman
Point of View
This match illustrated India's resilience and adaptability under pressure. Sanju Samson's performance was crucial, showcasing his potential as a key player in future tournaments. The team's ability to recover from early setbacks speaks volumes about their depth and determination. Such performances not only bolster team morale but also enhance India's standing in the international cricket arena.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of India vs Oman?
India scored 188 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs against Oman.
Who was the top scorer for India?
Sanju Samson was the top scorer for India with 56 runs off 45 balls.
How did Oman perform with the ball?
Oman's bowlers, particularly Faisal Shah and Jiten Ramanandi, performed well, taking two wickets each and restricting India's score.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
What does this score mean for India?
This score is India's third-highest T20I total against an Associate nation, showcasing their batting depth.
