Suryakumar justifies the showings of Rana and Arshdeep in their matches versus Oman during the Asia Cup tournament.
In a closely contested match in Abu Dhabi, India managed to secure a 21-run victory over Oman in the Asia Cup. The conditions, humid and challenging for players not regularly in the game, provided a tough test for both teams.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the subdued performances of Rana and Arshdeep, attributing their lacklustre showings to their limited recent game time. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh gave away plenty of runs, taking a wicket each in the match.
On the other hand, Jatinder Singh's Oman team displayed character and executed their plans well, particularly in the powerplay. Their bowlers swung the ball upfront, putting India under pressure early on.
Jatinder Singh, Oman's skipper, expressed pride in his team's performance and believed that the game was a blessing in disguise. It provided them with valuable exposure against a more experienced side. He acknowledged that Oman lacks a little experience compared to India.
Sanju Samson, the Player of the Match, scored a brilliant 45-ball 56, sharing a 66-run stand with opener Abhishek Sharma. Samson, who didn't get an opportunity to bat in the games against UAE and Pakistan, expressed his happiness about getting some batting time ahead of the Super 4s.
Suryakumar praised Oman for their fighting spirit and the brand of cricket they played. However, he was disappointed with Hardik Pandya's run-out, a decision he termed as unfortunate.
Despite the win, India had their share of struggles. Suryakumar pushed himself down the order, below Kuldeep Yadav, to give other batters more time in the match. This strategy didn't yield the desired results, as India's total was only 160 runs.
Jatinder Singh's team showed character in the crunch situation, but ultimately fell short. They gave a good account of themselves and will undoubtedly learn from this experience as they continue their journey in the Asia Cup.
