UAE register first win of Asia Cup 2025 after beating Oman
Waseem, Sharafu fifties and Siddique’s 4/23 help the hosts secure victory
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates on Monday claimed their first points in Asia Cup 2025 with a 42-run victory over Oman in Group A at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Skipper Muhammad Waseem’s 69 and Alishan Sharafu’s 51 set up a commanding total of 172/5, before Junaid Siddique’s incisive spell of 4/23 dismantled Oman’s chase. Oman started their pursuit poorly and never recovered, being bowled out for 130 in 18.4 overs.
UAE cruise to a comfortable victory ✌️
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 15, 2025
Shephered by Waseem & Sharafu's big hitting knocks & led by an all-round bowling attack, ???????? march on to a massive win. ????#UAEvOMAN #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/3LuZ0taT07
The win gives UAE their first points after the stinging defeat to India, while Oman’s second straight loss, following the setback against Pakistan, leaves them out of Super-4 contention.
UAE’s innings
Sharafu and Waseem shared an 88-run opening stand, which allowed UAE to build a strong base. Mid-innings contributions from Mohammad Zohaib (21 off 13) and a cameo by Harshit Kaushik (19* off 8) added impetus in the final overs. Sharafu’s aggressive stroke-play early on and Waseem’s steady accumulation helped UAE reach a defendable total.
Bowling attack
Oman’s reply fell apart early. UAE bowlers struck in clusters, including Junaid Siddique who finished with 4/23, supported by Haider Ali (2/22) and Muhammad Jawadullah (2/18). Oman skipper Jatinder Singh (20) and Vinayak Shukla (20) offered resistance but the collapse was inevitable as wickets tumbled, especially after the powerplay.
UAE’s journey in Asia Cup 2025
Both teams had lost their opening matches in convincing fashion – UAE bowled out for 57 by India, Oman dismissed for 67 chasing Pakistan’s 161. With this win, UAE break a streak of six straight losses in T20 internationals and keep alive hopes – however slim – of advancing. Oman, on the other hand, suffer back-to-back losses and are now effectively eliminated from Super-4 contention.