The Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash between India and Oman in Abu Dhabi turned into a memorable match for veteran all-rounder Aamir Kaleem. At the age of 43 years and 303 days, he scored a fighting half-century (64 runs off 46 balls), becoming the oldest player to score a fifty in T20Is against a Full Member nation.
Despite India winning the match by 21 runs, Aamir Kaleem innings and all-round performance (2 wickets with the ball) made him the star of the night. His achievement broke several long-standing records and brought global attention to his inspiring cricketing journey.
Breaking Multiple Records
Aamir Kaleem’s half-century was not just about runs — it was about rewriting cricket history:
- Oldest batter to score a fifty in Asia Cup T20 history, surpassing Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (40y 260d in 2025 vs Sri Lanka).
- Oldest batter to score a fifty against India in any format, overtaking England’s Wally Hammond (43y 31d in 1946).
- One of only four players to score a fifty and take 2 wickets in a T20I against India, joining the elite company of Dwayne Bravo (WI), Shane Watson (AUS), and Dasun Shanaka (SL).
- Only the second Omani batter to score a fifty against India in T20Is, after Afghanistan’s Noor Ali Zadran in 2010 (as an associate).
Also see: Asia Cup 2025: Arshdeep Singh Becomes First Indian Bowler to Take 100 T20I Wickets
Who is Aamir Kaleem?
- Born: 20 November 1981, Karachi, Pakistan
- Nationality Switch: After failing to break into Pakistan’s U-19 setup, Aamir moved to Oman in 2004 and started playing domestic cricket there.
- International Debut for Oman: 2012 vs Italy
- Style: Left-arm spinner and left-handed batter
- T20I Career: 47 matches | 659 runs | 46 wickets
- ODI Career: 15 matches | 160 runs | 18 wickets
Initially known as a lower-order bowler, Kaleem worked on his batting and later transformed into an opener for Oman. Over the years, he has become a reliable all-rounder, providing both top-order stability and spin bowling options.
Aamir Kaleem, take a bow 🫡
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 19, 2025
An innings that will go down in Oman cricket history 🇴🇲
Watch the #DPWorldAsiaCup2025, Sept 9-28, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #INDvOMAN pic.twitter.com/4nqXWJCDYH
In the Asia Cup 2025 group match against India, Kaleem 64-run knock stood out for his grit and determination. Battling cramps, he hit 7 fours and 2 sixes, frustrating India’s bowlers and proving that age is just a number in modern cricket.
He also dismissed two Indian batters with his disciplined left-arm spin, further showcasing his value as a complete all-rounder.
Aamir Kaleem’s story is one of resilience and passion. From Karachi to Muscat, from being a left-arm spinner batting at No. 11 to becoming Oman’s opener at 43, his journey is an inspiration for cricketers worldwide.
With his record-breaking fifty against India, Kaleem has not only etched his name in cricket history but also shown that dreams can be achieved at any stage of life.
As Oman continues to grow in international cricket, veterans like Aamir Kaleem will remain the torchbearers for associate nations on the global stage.
