Sunday 23 / February / 2025
MUSCAT: The United States completed a resounding 3-0 victory in the three-match T20I series against Oman, sealing the clean sweep with a dominant eight-wicket win in the third and final match on Sunday at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Oman, particularly in the second match, the visitors proved too strong across all three encounters. On Sunday, Oman struggled to set a challenging total, despite a determined knock from skipper Jatinder Singh, his second successive half-century.
Batting first after winning the toss, Oman was in early trouble. They were reduced to 6/3 by the third over, with the powerplay yielding just 34 runs.
By the eighth over, they were struggling at 45/4. However, Jatinder Singh (51 off 31 balls, 7x4, 2x6) played a crucial knock, anchoring the innings and giving Oman a chance to recover.
His half-century also marked a personal milestone, as he became Oman’s highest T20I run-scorer with 1,399 runs, surpassing Zeeshan Maqsood's tally of 1,369 runs.
Despite Singh's valiant efforts, Oman’s lower order failed to capitalise. Jiten Ramanandi (16), Vinayak Shukla (13), and Shakeel Ahmed (24 off 14, including 1 boundary and 2 sixes) contributed, but Oman was eventually bowled out for 123 runs in 20 overs.
USA’s Juanoy Drysdale was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Ali Sheikh and Stephen Wig claimed two wickets each, ensuring Oman could not build momentum.
In reply, the USA chased down the target in 15.1 overs, finishing at 127/2.
The powerplay was a confident one, as they amassed 61 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Andries Gous (31) and Milind Kumar (56* off 38 balls, 4x4, 3x6) formed a strong 64-run second-wicket partnership, with Kumar leading the charge. His half-century included a six to bring up the winning runs, while Aaron Jones (20*) supported him to seal the victory.
Back-to-back wins
Going into the final match on Sunday, the USA had already taken an unassailable 2-0 series lead after winning the first two matches in dominant fashion.
In the first match on February 20, Oman posted a competitive 190/5 in their 20 overs. Aamir Kaleem was the standout for the hosts with a brilliant 72 off 50 balls. Jatinder Singh (28) and Vinayak Shukla (36) provided valuable support, but the middle order faltered. USA’s bowlers, led by Harmeet Singh (3/37), restricted Oman effectively.
In reply, the USA chased down the target comfortably with Saiteja Mukkamalla’s explosive unbeaten 100 off 48 balls, including 7 fours and 7 sixes, leading the chase. Mukkamalla was supported by Andries Gous (28) and Monank Patel (27), as the visitors reached 194/3 in 19 overs, securing a seven-wicket win.
The second match on February 21 saw Oman once again bat first, and this time they were restricted to 141/9 in 20 overs. Jatinder Singh’s 57 off 41 balls was the highlight for Oman, while the USA’s bowlers, especially Ali Khan (3/23) and Ali Sheikh (2/22), dominated.
In the chase, the USA faced early setbacks, losing three quick wickets to find themselves at 6/3. However, Monank Patel (73* off 53 balls) and Aaron Jones (35) steadied the ship and guided the team to a four-wicket victory, reaching 142/6 in 19.3 overs.
