Abu Dhabi witnessed a historic cricketing feat on Friday as Oman’s veteran opener, Aamir Kaleem, etched his name into the record books. At a remarkable 43 years and 303 days old, Kaleem became the oldest batter to score a half-century against India in any format of the game. This extraordinary achievement surpassed a record that had stood for over 79 years, previously held by the legendary England cricketer Wally Hammond, who scored 69 against India in a 1946 Test match.
Kaleem’s spectacular 64-run innings also marked him as the oldest player to smash a T20 International fifty against a full member nation. This memorable knock came just a day after Mohammad Nabi set a new record for the oldest half-century in Asia Cup history, adding to the tournament’s thrilling narrative of veteran brilliance.
Despite battling challenging heat, humidity, and the onset of cramps, Kaleem displayed incredible resilience and skill, crafting a gritty 64 runs off just 46 balls against the formidable Indian side. He formed a crucial 93-run partnership with Hammad Mirza, who contributed 51 runs, for the second wicket. This stand not only represented Oman’s highest partnership against a full-member nation but also the most runs India has ever conceded against an Associate team.
Oldest to Score 50-plus vs India (All Formats)
- 43 years, 303 days – Aamir Kaleem (64 in T20I), Abu Dhabi, 2025
- 43 years, 31 days – England’s Wally Hammond (69 in Test), Manchester, 1946
- 41 years, 359 days – Australia’s Bob Simpson (100 in Test), Adelaide, 1978
For a period during the match, India found themselves under significant pressure as Oman’s chase gained momentum. Kaleem showcased his all-round capabilities by also contributing with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 31 runs. The impactful partnership was finally broken when Hardik Pandya pulled off a spectacular boundary catch to dismiss Kaleem off Harshit Rana’s bowling. Mirza followed suit in the very next over, but not before leaving a significant mark.
Ultimately, India secured a 21-run victory, with Arshdeep Singh celebrating his 100th T20I wicket during the match.
Oldest to Score 50-plus in T20 Asia Cup
- 43 years, 303 days – Aamir Kaleem (64) vs IND, Abu Dhabi, 2025
- 40 years, 260 days – Mohammad Nabi (60) vs SL, Abu Dhabi, 2025
- 39 years, 142 days – T Dilshan (75*) vs PAK, Mirpur, 2016
Earlier in the match, Sanju Samson’s 56 and Abhishek Sharma’s 38 had propelled India to a competitive total of 188 for 8 wickets. However, Kaleem and Mirza’s tenacious batting ensured that Oman remained fiercely competitive throughout their innings.
Oman skipper Jatinder Singh lauded his team’s performance, 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 innings transcended mere runs. It was a historic display of skill and determination, serving as a powerful reminder that age and experience can indeed pose a significant challenge to even the biggest names in cricket. Aamir Kaleem’s name will undoubtedly now stand proudly in the record books, inspiring aspiring cricketers, especially those from Associate nations, around the world.