Wednesday 18 / December / 2024
MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia delivered a stunning upset in the T20 Gulf Cup cricket tournament at the ICC Academy in Dubai, UAE, on Wednesday, defeating defending champions Oman by eight wickets.
The result jolted Oman’s chances of reaching the final, while Saudi Arabia reignited their campaign with a clinical display.
Chasing a target of 166, Saudi Arabia displayed remarkable composure and executed their chase with precision. Faisal Khan was the star of the morning, crafting a sensational knock of 70 off 40 balls, adorned with seven boundaries and four towering sixes. Khan anchored the chase with a vital opening partnership of 91 runs alongside Usman Khalid, who made a steady 38 off 34 deliveries to provide a perfect platform.
After Khalid’s dismissal in the 10th over to Aamir Kaleem, Faisal continued his assault on Oman’s bowlers. He departed in the 15th over after ensuring his team was within striking distance, leaving 39 runs needed from the final five overs. Abdul Waheed and Manan Ali then stepped up, adding an unbeaten 39-run stand. Waheed’s composed 19 not out and Ali’s brisk 28 off 17 balls sealed the victory with seven balls to spare.
Earlier, Oman’s innings revolved around Mohammad Nadeem, who top-scored for the second successive day. The 42-year-old seasoned campaigner, who had shone with a 49-ball 47 in Oman’s thrilling two-run win over Bahrain on Tuesday, continued his fine form with a determined 60 off 49 balls. After Oman were reduced to 22/1 in third over losing skipper Jatinder Singh (17), Nadeem forged a crucial 41-run stand with Ashish Odedara (14) before Odedara departed. Nadeem then stitched together a 62-run partnership with Wasim Ali for the third wicket. Wasim contributed a valuable 38 off 22 balls before falling in the 16th over, leaving Oman at 125/3.
Despite Nadeem’s efforts were not supported as Oman’s middle order faltered. Vinayak Shukla fell for a duck, and Mehran Khan managed only six runs as Oman found themselves struggling at 126 for four by the 17th over. Nadeem was caught by Ishtiaq Ahmad off Usman Najeeb in the next over to make the score 138/5.
Aamir Kaleem added a late spark with a blistering 17 off six balls, but Oman’s total of 165 for six ultimately fell short.
Saudi Arabia’s disciplined bowling, led by Usman Najeeb (2/33) and Ishtiaq Ahmad (2/32), played a crucial role in keeping Oman’s total within reach.
Saudi Arabia’s victory throws the points table into a gripping contest with four teams tied on four points. For Oman it is a must-win situation in their upcoming match against Kuwait on Friday and head coach Duleep Mendis will also have to keep an eye on the net run-rate for a chance to reach final. UAE lead the standings after three straight wins and boasting a net run rate of +1.060, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are locked in a fierce battle, separated only by net run rate. Kuwait currently hold second place with a net run rate of +0.601, followed by Bahrain (+0.178), Oman (+0.035), and Saudi Arabia (-0.350). At the bottom, Qatar remain winless with three losses and a dismal net run rate of -1.910.
Brief scores: Oman 165/6 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nadeem 60, Wasim Ali 38; Usman Najeeb 2/33, Ishtiaq Ahmad 2/32) lost to Saudi Arabia 166/2 in 18.5 overs (Faisal Khan 70, Usman Khalid 38; Aamir Kaleem 1/25, Mohammed Nadeem 1/17).
