Abu Dhabi: Like a tiger prowling in the twilight, India will take guard against Oman in the last Group-A encounter of the Asia Cup T20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Friday with the Super Four ticket already snug in their pocket.
The defending champions have stormed through the group stage like a monsoon sweeping across the plains — first drenching the UAE in runs, then thundering past Pakistan with seven wickets to spare. Now they stand on the cusp of a perfect three-out-of-three, eager to sharpen their claws before the sterner battles ahead.
At the top of the order, young Abhishek Sharma has been batting like a blazing comet, giving India rocket fuel in the powerplay. Shubman Gill’s willow has been the steady rudder steering the ship, while captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have painted the middle overs with strokes as bright as festival lights.
Behind them lurk Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel — a bench so deep it could touch the Arabian Sea. On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav has spun webs of deceit, Varun Chakaravarthy has bowled with a magician’s poise, and Jasprit Bumrah remains the thunderbolt in India’s armoury.
Oman, already eliminated after two heavy defeats, will stride in as underdogs with a heart full of hope. Skipper Jatinder Singh, if he can rediscover his touch, could provide the spark, while Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal must punch above their weight to keep their side afloat.
The Sheikh Zayed pitch promises an even contest between bat and ball — good for stroke-makers early on, with turn waiting for the spinners as the game matures. The weather will be hot and humid, but with no rain on the horizon, cricket should reign supreme under the Abu Dhabi lights.
If India bat first, they will aim to set a mountain in the 190-200 range; Oman would count 150 as a treasure if they get to lay down a target. Toss-wise, India’s chasing instincts may see them bowl first, while Oman could prefer to bat and put runs in the vault.
With form, firepower and finesse, India look ready to turn this contest into a carnival. Oman’s task is tall, but as Sidhu himself might say: “Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties — but on paper, this one looks like an elephant taking on an ant!”
