Oman, the No. 20-ranked T20I team in the world, won hearts and turned a lot of heads after their spirited performance against the reigning World Champions India at the Asia Cup 2025.
In a challenging chase of 188 runs, Oman brought India close, as they lost the game by just 21 runs. Their batters showed a lot of courage and did not shy away from the challenges against the world's number 1 bowling attack.
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Jatinder Singh, the Oman captain, has now requested the BCCI to help their side by allowing them to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in India.
Oman delivers a spirited performance against India at the Asia Cup 2025
Oman came up with a very solid performance as they took on India in their last league game at the Asia Cup 2025. Bowling first, the side restricted a threatening Indian batting lineup to just 188.
While many thought that the side was completely out of the game at the halfway stage, the emerging associate side had other plans. They batted their way out as they went after the target against a world-class attack and even brought India close.
In a heartwarming scene post the game, the Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav was seen giving a pep talk to the Oman side as all the players huddled around him and presented him with a lot of questions.
"I am so thankful that he came and had a chat with the boys. He was just talking about the game, the faces, and how you have to play in T20s," Oman captain told the reporters.
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Singh also reflected on his side's performance against the World No.1 side and remarked how proud he was of each player as they fought till the very end.
I am extremely proud of the unit, as I have been saying from day one. I think this was the perfect platform for them to see where they stand, and they did not hold anything back. They showed great character in front of the world's No. 1 team, Singh added.
Jatinder Singh requests to train and play matches against Indian domestic teams
Oman has been one of the Emerging sides from the Asian continent. They have played an amazing brand of cricket in the last few years, and their next challenge is to ensure a qualification to the T20 World Cup next year.
Singh made an emotional plea to the BCCI as he requested the board to open the gates of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the Oman team.
"I think we can get India to come forward, allowing us to make their home our home, we can train at the NCA, work on our skills, mental aspects, and fitness, and play a lot of T20Is with club and Ranji teams. That will definitely help us bridge the gap," Singh concluded.
Oman T20 World Cup Qualifiers begin next month, from October 1st. It will be played in their home country as they will fight for a spot in the ultimate showdown in India next year.
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