MUSCAT: The Netherlands captain, Scott Edwards, delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a remarkable 99 runs from 55 balls, which significantly contributed to his team's commanding victory of 50 runs over Oman at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Thursday evening. This triumph has resulted in a tie in the three-match T20I series, with both teams now tied at 1-1.
This victory also marked the end of Oman's impressive winning streak at home, which spanned five matches. This streak included four consecutive victories in the World Cup Cricket League 2 ODI tri-series and a win in the inaugural T20I match against the Dutch team.
Upon entering the game, the Netherlands managed to recover from a challenging start, eventually compiling a formidable score of 185/6. Edwards played a pivotal role in this innings, scoring seven fours and five sixes. His partnerships with Max O'Dowd (23) and later Noah Croes (28 runs off 18 balls) were instrumental in setting a challenging target for the opposition.
The Oman bowling team struggled to contain Edwards, with Jay Odedra taking two wickets for the Netherlands, and Shakeel Ahmed achieving a total of three wickets.
Oman's attempt to chase the target faltered early, as their captain, Jatinder Singh, was dismissed for the first time in the match, reducing Oman to 8/2 within two overs. Attempts by Aamir Kaleem (36 runs from 22 balls) and Hammad Mirza (23 runs from 18 balls) to stabilize the innings were in vain, as the Netherlands' disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Colin Ackermann (3 wickets) and Roelof van der Merwe (1 wicket), effectively kept Oman in check. Shakeel Ahmed (30 runs) and Jay Odedra (25 runs) put forth a valiant effort in a partnership of 47 runs for the eighth wicket, but the target remained unattainable as Oman finished the innings on 135/7.
This victory secures an exciting decider in the third T20I match scheduled for Saturday. Both teams are now in a position to contest for the series trophy.
Brief scores: Netherlands: 185/6 (Scott Edwards 99, Noah Croes 28*; Jay Odedra 2/13) defeated Oman: 135/7 (Aamir Kaleem 36, Shakeel Ahmed 30*; Colin Ackermann 3/15).
