MUSCAT: Oman made a strong comeback with a decisive seven-wicket win over group leaders USA in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat on Wednesday.
After suffering a defeat to Namibia in their opening match on Monday, Duleep Mendis’ team showcased exceptional spin bowling to dismantle the USA batting order, limiting them to a mere 151 runs. Captain Jatinder Singh played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 82 runs.
Choosing to bowl first, Oman’s spin attack, featuring Shakeel Ahmed (4/26), Jay Odedra (3/23), Samay Shrivastava (2/34), and Wasim Ali (1/7), left the USA batting lineup in disarray, dismissing them for 151 in just 42.1 overs.
Saiteja Mukkamalla stood out with a determined 80 runs off 106 balls, but the rest of the USA team struggled to cope with the pressure.
The visitors faced an early setback as Shakeel Ahmed dismantled the top order, taking out three of the first four batsmen, including captain Monank Patel, leaving the USA in a precarious position at 36/3 during the powerplay.
Although Milind Kumar (12) and Aaron Jones (15) provided brief resistance alongside Mukkamalla, Odedra and Shrivastava struck key blows that led to another collapse. The lower order offered little support, setting Oman up with a manageable target.
In response, Oman’s openers, Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem, established a solid foundation with a measured partnership of 63 runs.
Kaleem's innings of 28 runs off 78 balls ended when he was dismissed lbw by Harmeet Singh, but Jatinder stood firm at the crease. He reached his fifty in 88 balls, leading Oman's chase with well-placed shots.
Although Hammad Mirza was dismissed for 12 runs at a score of 97/2, Jatinder and Wasim Ali contributed a vital 32-run partnership, ensuring Oman maintained a strong position.
Wasim was out in the 41st over, but Jatinder remained not out at 82 runs from 127 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, while Vinayak Shukla added 8 runs, helping Oman secure victory in 45.5 overs.
Jatinder also set a new record for Oman by becoming the first player to achieve 12 ODI half-centuries, surpassing the previous record of 11 held by former Oman player Aqib Ilyas. Shakeel Ahmed was named Player of the Match for his impressive four-wicket haul.
This convincing win elevated Oman to third place in the standings with 16 points, just behind the USA (18) and Canada (16), although Canada has played two fewer matches. The Netherlands (14) narrowly surpassed Scotland (14) on net run rate for the fourth position, while Namibia (12), Nepal (6), and UAE (4) completed the table.
Oman aims to continue this positive momentum as they prepare to face Namibia on February 16, followed by a rematch against the USA on February 18.
Brief scores: USA 151 in 42.1 overs (Saiteja Mukkamalla 80, Aaron Jones 15; Shakeel Ahmed 4/26, Jay Odedra 3/23, Samay Shrivastava 2/34) lost to Oman 152/3 in 45.5 overs (Jatinder Singh 82 n.o., Aamir Kaleem 28; Harmeet Singh 2/20).
