Asia Cup: Suryakumar Stands by Harshit and Arshdeep After Oman Fright

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav came in support of his bowlers despite Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh's poor show during India's 21-run win over Oman in their last Group A game of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Both pacers leaked runs towards the end of the innings, despite taking a wicket each, as Oman seemed to be on course to chase down the target of 189 set by India.

"It is a bit tough when you're sitting and all of a sudden you come out and play. It's very humid here," Suryakumar mentioned after the match, insisting that expecting the duo, who have spent the last two matches on the bench, to click into rhythm immediately would be wrong.

The skipper himself had to shuffle as many as eight bowlers as Oman's batsmen put pressure through the innings.

Although he conceded that the victory was with hard work, Suryakumar was quick to praise Oman's determination. "Overall impressive. I feel, Oman played (well). I knew with their coach, Sulu sir (Sulakshan Kulkarni), there will be khadoosness (stubbornness). It was amazing, really enjoyed watching them bat," he said.

Suryakumar also made light of his own rare batting spot, falling as low as No. 10, even lower than Kuldeep Yadav, to give other players precious time in the middle before the Super Fours. "I will attempt to bat above No. 11 in the next game," he joked, while terming the run-out of Hardik Pandya quite "unfortunate."

The Player of the Match for the evening, though, was Sanju Samson, who at last got his chance after being left out of India's first two games. Brought in at No. 3, Samson played a composed 56 off 45 balls, adding 66 runs in partnership with Abhishek Sharma to steady India's ship.

"It was humid and hot out there. Working on my fitness on the last few weeks. We just got a new trainer and did the Bronco test. Good to see I got to spend some time in the middle. They (Oman) bowled really well. Have to give credit to Oman. Bowled well in the powerplay also, were swinging it upfront," Samson said, adding, "I keep backing my strength to stay positive. Any contribution with the bat for your country, you have to take the positives."

Oman skipper Jatinder Singh also took pride in the way his side went toe-to-toe with the tournament favourites, despite falling short. "I am extremely proud of the unit. The way they came up, they had their plans and executed them well. They were very much in the present. So proud of the way they have shown their character in the crunch situation," he reflected.

With this victory, India took momentum into the Super Four phase, while Oman won acclaim for their fighting spirit and determination against one of the globe's toughest combinations.