Both pacers went for runs at the back end of the innings, though they picked up a wicket apiece, as Oman threatened to mount a serious challenge in the chase of 189.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It's a little difficult when you're sitting and suddenly you come out and play. It's so humid here,\" Suryakumar said after the game, stressing that it was unfair to expect sharp rhythm from the duo after warming the bench in the previous two matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The skipper himself had to employ as many as eight bowlers as Oman\u2019s batters pushed India hard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While admitting his side had to work for the win, Suryakumar was quick to heap praise on Oman\u2019s grit. \"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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The captain also made light of his own unusual batting position, having pushed himself down the order to as low as No. 10, even below Kuldeep Yadav, to give others valuable game time ahead of the Super Fours. \u201cI will try to bat higher than No. 11 in the next game,\u201d he joked, before terming Hardik Pandya\u2019s run-out as rather \"unfortunate.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The evening\u2019s Player of the Match, however, was Sanju Samson, who finally got his chance in the middle after missing out in India\u2019s first two fixtures. Coming in at No. 3, Samson compiled a steady 56 off 45 balls, stitching a 66-run stand with Abhishek Sharma to set up India\u2019s innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"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.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"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.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the win, India carried momentum into the Super Four stage, while Oman walked away with plenty of credit for their resilience and character against one of the world\u2019s strongest sides.<\/p>\r\n\r\n