At 43, Aamir Kaleem is far from your typical T20 opener, yet on a memorable Friday night in Abu Dhabi, he wound back the clock to craft a heroic innings against the formidable world champions, India, during the Asia Cup. Fighting through intense heat, humidity, and debilitating cramps, Kaleem scored a gutsy 64 runs off just 46 balls, sparking genuine belief that Oman could pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Oman’s Aamir Kaleem celebrates after scoring fifty against India. (AP Photo)
Kaleem’s journey is truly extraordinary. Having moved from Pakistan, he has been an integral part of Oman cricket since 2012, adapting his role numerous times. He began his career as a No. 11 left-arm spinner, gradually working his way into the middle order where he contributed with valuable runs, though his bowling remained his primary strength. A brief absence from the national squad in early 2022 suggested his international career might be over. However, a stunning comeback in late 2024 saw him reinvented as an opener — a role he has since made his own.
He had already notched his maiden T20I fifty earlier this year, an unbeaten 72 against the USA. Facing India, the stakes were much higher and the challenge significantly tougher, but Kaleem rose to the occasion. Alongside Hammad Mirza (51), he forged a crucial 93-run partnership for the second wicket, bringing Oman tantalizingly close to chasing down India’s challenging total of 188. For a tense period, the Asia Cup holders seemed visibly rattled as Oman’s chase gained unstoppable momentum.
The dream of an upset eventually faded when Hardik Pandya, with a spectacular boundary catch, dismissed Kaleem off the bowling of Harshit Rana, before also claiming Mirza’s wicket in the very next over. India ultimately secured a 21-run victory, with Arshdeep Singh marking the occasion by taking his 100th T20I wicket.
Earlier in the match, Sanju Samson’s solid 56 and Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 38 had propelled India to a commanding total. However, Kaleem and Mirza ensured that Oman would not surrender without a fierce battle. Kaleem also made his presence felt with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 31, rounding off a brilliant all-round performance.
Oman’s Aamir Kaleem celebrates the wicket of India’s Shivam Dube. (ANI Photo)
Oman’s captain, Jatinder Singh, perfectly encapsulated the team’s fighting spirit, stating, “I am extremely proud of the unit. The way they came up, they had their plans and executed them well… So proud of the way they have shown their character in the crunch situation.”
For Oman, Kaleem’s exceptional knock was more than just runs on the scoreboard; it was a powerful reminder that even at 43, with unwavering experience and relentless fight, one can still challenge and rattle the giants of the game.