MUSCAT: Oman's impressive four-match home winning streak in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League (WCL) 2 came to an end on Monday, as Namibia triumphed over the hosts by 23 runs in a tightly contested low-scoring match at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat.
This marked Oman's first loss in five WCL2 home games, leaving them with a total of 14 points from 13 matches. Meanwhile, Namibia's victory narrowed the points gap to just two, as they accumulated 12 points from 14 matches.
Oman's pursuit of Namibia's modest target of 169 got off to a rocky start with the early dismissal of opener Aamir Kaleem (15). Captain Jatinder Singh (25) and Ashish Odedara (11) were unable to form a significant partnership, resulting in Oman struggling at 58/4, with Wasim Ali dismissed for a duck.
ODI debutant Hashir Dafedar (15) and seasoned player Sufyan Mehmood (11) fell quickly to Gerhard Erasmus, further intensifying the pressure on Oman's middle order against Namibia's spin attack.
Vinayak Shukla (17), one of Oman's three ODI debutants, along with Hassnain Shah (16*) managed to provide some resistance alongside the last batter, Shakeel Ahmed (13). However, the hosts were ultimately bowled out for 146 in 37.2 overs, losing by 23 runs.
Namibia's spinners were instrumental in their victory, with Bernard Scholtz (2/26) and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (2/18) leading the bowling attack, while Gerhard Erasmus (2/42) and Ruben Trumpelmann (2/32) also contributed effectively.
Earlier in the match, Namibia, batting first, faced early challenges as Oman's spinners dominated on a slow pitch. Despite a sluggish start, managing only 24 runs in the first 10 overs, Namibia continued to lose wickets at regular intervals following the mandatory powerplay.
Zane Green (21) was dismissed via run out, while JP Kotze (29) managed to offer some resistance before being removed by Sufyan Mehmood. Captain Gerhard Erasmus (0) was dismissed cheaply, marking the first of Samay Shrivastava’s four wickets, followed by Jan Frylinck (16).
The Omani spin trio of Shrivastava (4/56), Shakeel Ahmed (2/26), and Jay Odedra (1/26) effectively prevented Namibia from forming any significant partnerships.
Malan Kruger contributed with a quick 39 runs off 34 balls, which included two sixes, but his dismissal by Odedra led to a collapse in the lower order.
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (12), Jan-Izak de Villiers (2), JJ Smit (4), and Ruben Trumpelmann (1) all fell for low scores. Namibia’s ODI debutant Jan Balt’s unbeaten 35 off 50 balls allowed the team to surpass the 150-run mark before they were all out for 169 in 46.3 overs.
Malan Kruger was awarded the Player of the Match for his crucial innings of 39. Oman, under the guidance of coach Duleep Mendis, will aim to recover from this defeat in their upcoming match against the USA on Wednesday.
The USA, currently at the top of the table, had secured victory in their first match of the tri-series against Namibia on February 8.
Brief scores: Namibia 169 all out in 46.3 overs (Malan Kruger 39, Zane Green 21, JP Kotze 29, Jan Balt 35*; Samay Shrivastava 4/56, Shakeel Ahmed 2/26, Jay Odedra 1/26, Sufyan Mehmood 2/15) defeated Oman 146 all out in 37.2 overs (Jatinder Singh 25, Vinayak Shukla 17, Hassnain Shah 16*, Shakeel Ahmed 13; Bernard Scholtz 2/26, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton 2/18, Gerhard Erasmus 2/42, Ruben Trumpelmann 2/32).
