Oman defeated Namibia by two wickets in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, avenging a prior defeat and rising to second place in the standings. Despite suffering a batting collapse, Oman successfully chased down a target of 97 runs with contributions from key players Aamir Kaleem and Hashir Dafedar. Oman will next face the USA, aiming for a top position in the league.
Oman secured a narrow two-wicket victory over Namibia at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat, thereby avenging their earlier defeat in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series. This hard-fought win enhanced Oman’s standing to second place with 18 points from 15 matches, only two points behind leaders USA. Namibia is positioned third with 16 points from 12 matches.
Namibia’s decision to bat first proved detrimental as they fell to 19/4 within the first ten overs. Oman’s spinners thrived in the conditions, with Shakeel Ahmed claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs. Jay Odedra and Aamir Kaleem also made contributions with the ball, dismissing critical batsmen and maintaining pressure on Namibia.
Despite brief resistance from Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who added 35 runs for the fifth wicket, the entire team was eventually bowled out for a mere 96 runs in 33.1 overs, with all wickets falling to spinners.
In response to a modest target of 97, Oman began their innings confidently, although they soon faced a dramatic collapse from 42/1 to 87/8 after initially solid contributions from Aamir Kaleem and Jatinder Singh. Gerhard Erasmus notably took five wickets, seizing control of the match.
Ultimately, Hashir Dafedar and Siddharth Bukkapatnam held their composure, guiding Oman to victory with a final score of 100/8 in 22.4 overs. Kaleem’s all-around performance earned him the title of Player of the Match.
Oman will compete against the USA in their next match of the tri-series, where a victory would position them at the top of the table.
Oman’s thrilling victory over Namibia not only avenges a previous loss but also elevates their standing in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The match highlighted the effectiveness of their spin bowlers and the resilience of their lower-order batsmen. Looking ahead, Oman’s upcoming contest against the USA presents a vital opportunity for them to secure the top position in the tournament.
Original Source: timesofoman.com
