Kuldeep Yadav produced a much-needed breakthrough for India in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismissed Oman opener Jatinder Singh with a clever delivery that rattled the stumps, bringing relief to the Indian camp. However, despite Kuldeep’s brilliance, Oman’s spirited batting display stunned the defending champions as they pushed India to the limits in their chase.

Kuldeep Yadav provides crucial breakthrough for India

The wicket came in the third ball of the ninth over, when Jatinder, who had looked solid at the crease, attempted an ambitious pull shot. Kuldeep delivered a quicker ball that cramped the batter for room. Mistiming his stroke, Jatinder got an under-edge that deflected onto the stumps. The dismissal broke Oman’s strong opening stand and provided India with a breakthrough they desperately needed.

Kuldeep celebrated in his usual calm manner, but the significance of the wicket was clear—India’s bowlers had finally managed to break through. This was Kuldeep’s eighth wicket in the tournament, underlining his consistency and wicket-taking form in the Asia Cup 2025.

Here’s the video:

Kuldeep Yadav gets the breakthrough 👊

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India post a competitive total

Earlier in the evening, India posted a strong total of 188/8 in 20 overs, courtesy of Sanju Samson’s composed half-century. The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with 56 off 45 balls, striking three fours and three sixes to anchor the innings. Young opener Abhishek Sharma added fireworks, smashing 38 runs off just 15 deliveries to give India the perfect start.

Though Oman’s bowlers pulled things back in the death overs to restrict India under 200, the score looked sufficient on paper considering India’s quality bowling attack.

Oman’s surprising fightback

Chasing 189, Oman’s openers came out with positive intent. Jatinder and Aamir Kaleem frustrated the Indian bowlers with an aggressive approach, finding boundaries regularly and putting pressure back on the world champions. Kaleem, in particular, looked in sublime touch, smashing a fine half-century that energized Oman’s camp and stunned the packed Abu Dhabi crowd.

By the end of 17 overs, Oman had reached 141/1, with Kaleem continuing to dominate. The fact that Oman were still in the hunt at that stage highlighted their fearless approach and exposed the struggles of India’s bowlers on a placid track.

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