India’s much anticipated clash with Oman in the 12th match of Asia Cup 2025 at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 19 began in dramatic fashion as the World T20I champions opted to bat under lights. Expectations of a routine powerplay were upended in the very first over when Oman’s left-arm pacer Shah Faisal produced a sensational delivery to send India’s star opener back with the score reading 5 for 1.

Shah Faisal knocks Shubman Gill’s stumps down with an absolute jaffa in IND vs OMN game

On just his second ball of the match, Faisal bowled a fullish length inswinger that started just outside off stump before darting back in to crash into Shubman Gill’s off stump. Gill, looking to drive, left a gap between bat and pad that proved costly. The ball ripped through and dislodged the stumps, leaving bails tumbling and Gill stunned after scoring 5 runs off 8 balls at a strike rate of 62.50. Faisal’s opening figures of 1 for 8 in three balls instantly shifted momentum in Oman’s favour and announced his arrival on the big stage.

The delivery was hailed on social media as one of the best early inswinging yorkers ever bowled against India in T20 cricket. For Oman, a side building its reputation in international white-ball cricket, this strike symbolised belief that they could weather the bastion of Indian batting.

Here’s the video:

Shubman Gill gets a jaffa from Shah Faisal 🤯

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— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 19, 2025

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India’s rapid powerplay response

Rather than crumble, India regained control through a blistering partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Sharma, elevated to the top order, launched an all-out assault, amassing 38 from 14 balls with five fours and two sixes at a staggering strike rate of 271.42. His aggression propelled India to 50 runs in 5.1 overs, comfortably exceeding powerplay expectations. Samson chipped in with a composed 13 off 14 deliveries, employing deft wristwork to keep the scoreboard ticking. Extras contributed four runs, taking India to 60 for 1 after six overs at a run rate of 10.00, with the last five overs yielding 54 runs at 10.80.

Oman’s bowlers toiled on a flat surface. Shakeel Ahmed conceded 21 in two overs while Mohammad Nadeem and Jiten Ramanandi bowled disciplined spells but lacked penetration. Faisal’s early heroics remain the highlight, yet India’s top order responded emphatically to assert dominance. With 14 overs to go and key hitters yet to bat, India looks on course for a total around 200. Oman must summon further brilliance in bowling and sharp fielding to defend any challenging target in this high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter.

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