Oman’s Young Cricket Squad Triumphs at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier – Cricket World Cup Oman’s Young Cricket Squad Triumphs at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier – Cricket World Cup
Oman’s Young Cricket Squad Triumphs at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier – Cricket World Cup

March 5, 2024

Oman’s Young Cricket Squad Triumphs at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier – Cricket World Cup

The team displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the game, with Nitish Nadendla claiming the Player of the Tournament award thanks to his outstanding performance, which included a swift 50 runs from just 34 balls. This stellar display of talent significantly contributed to Oman’s impressive total of 249/5.

Saumya Sampat also played a crucial role in Oman’s success. He earned the Player of the Match award for his remarkable contributions on the batting and bowling fronts. Sampat demonstrated his all-rounder capabilities by scoring a valuable 48 runs and taking three crucial wickets, ultimately leading Oman to their decisive victory. As the team basks in their well-deserved success, they are undoubtedly looking forward to future opportunities to showcase their skills on the international cricket stage.

In a crucial match that determined the victor of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier, Oman emerged triumphant after a decisive 100-run victory over Hong Kong in Bangkok, Thailand.

Opener Gaurav Dinesh kicked off Oman’s innings aggressively, smashing two boundaries in the first over. However, the early momentum was short-lived, as Daniel Mapp sent him packing in the 5th over. With Rishan Shah showcasing his prowess by taking 10 wickets before the final and Shayan Puri’s effective spin bowling, Oman found themselves at a modest 32/1 at the end of the first Powerplay.

As the game progressed, Oman’s batters Saumya Sampat and Jeet Shah diligently pushed the score, reaching the 50-run mark in the 17th over. The spin duo of Puri and Harry Hodgson proved to be a challenge for the Omani pair, keeping the scoring rate in check. However, the batters identified an opportunity to attack left-arm spinner Puri in his final over, successfully bringing up the 100 in the 28th over.

Despite the growing partnership between Sampat and Shah, their progress was halted when leg-spinner Arya Panjwani made a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Saumya lbw for a well-played 48 runs. This wicket opened up new possibilities for both teams, paving the way for an intense battle that eventually culminated in Oman’s decisive victory.

Jeet Shah reached a significant milestone as the game’s momentum continued to shift, completing his half-century in 97 balls. However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Panjwani claimed his second wicket of the day, dismissing the crucial batter. Oman’s situation worsened when Hodgson struck twice in quick succession, first bowling Shah lbw and then taking the wicket of Oman’s skipper, Rahil Habibulla, leaving the team struggling at 145/5.

Just as Hong Kong appeared to be gaining the upper hand, Nitish Nadlendla and Rohan Ramachandran took it upon themselves to rebuild Oman’s innings. The pair displayed remarkable resilience and teamwork, gradually shifting the momentum back in their favor. Their partnership flourished, yielding a century stand that steered Oman towards a substantial total. Nadlendla remained unbeaten on a brisk 51 off 34 balls, while Ramachandran provided solid support with a well-crafted 49 from 53 deliveries.

Chasing an asking rate of five runs per over, Hong Kong encountered an early setback in their pursuit, losing the dangerous Taran Laungani in just the third over. With Varshieth Dinesh striking for Oman, Laungani was dismissed for a mere 4 runs. This early wicket was followed by the fall of captain Shiv Mathur, who had been a consistent run-scorer throughout the competition. Caught behind off Puladith Ralalage’s bowling for 4 runs, Hong Kong found themselves in a precarious position at 17/2, leaving them with a mountain to climb in their quest to chase down Oman’s imposing total.

Arya Panjwani and Aarez Dar momentarily halted the flurry of wickets, steadying the ship for Hong Kong as they cautiously navigated the challenging conditions. Together, they added vital runs to the scoreboard, pushing the total to 44 before Panjwani’s dismissal by Saumya Sampat for 15 runs. The situation worsened when Arya Sampat claimed the fourth wicket, trapping Khrish Butani lbw without troubling the scorers.

As the game progressed, Oman continued to assert their dominance, with Saumya Sampat bowling Harry Hodgson for a mere 4 runs. Hong Kong struggled at 70/5 after 20 overs, with their hopes of chasing down the target dwindling.

Prathiesh Ramesh, the left-arm wrist-spinner, dealt another blow to Hong Kong’s chances by dismissing a resilient Aarez Dar for 28. Matthew Clayton and Daniel Mapp attempted to stem the tide by forging a partnership, taking their team beyond the 100-run mark. However, their efforts were cut short when Mapp was bowled by Gaurav Dinesh, leaving Clayton to soldier on.

Despite the mounting pressure from the Omani bowlers, Clayton reached a commendable half-century from 87 deliveries, demonstrating grit and determination. However, his resilience was short-lived, as Saumya Sampat claimed his wicket on the next ball. He concluded with impressive figures of 3/25 and his valuable contribution of 48 runs earlier in the day.

Rohan Ramachandran further tightened Oman’s grip on the game by claiming the ninth wicket, eventually restricting Hong Kong to 149/9 at the end of their innings. With a comprehensive 100-run victory, Oman emerged as the deserving winners of the final.

In recognition of their standout performances, Saumya Sampat was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. At the same time, Nitish Nadendla’s consistency throughout the competition earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Furthermore, Malaysia’s Mohammad Akram and Kuwait’s Janath Herathliyanage were acknowledged for their respective accomplishments as the Batter and Bowler of the Tournament.

Oman captain Rahil Habibulla said: “I’m feeling proud of our players and the backing we have from our coaching staff and management. It’s been an incredible journey for us, one that started two months ago. Although, it was a journey that started two years ago for me, falling short at the knockout stage last time around in 2022 was something that’s hurt for a long time. However, this victory gives me and the whole team no better feeling than putting every yard behind us and setting right every time we stepped onto the field.

“We had a majority of a young bunch of players playing a tournament of such stake for the first time and it’s been an honour to lead them. We look forward to doing something big in Division 1 ahead and aim for the glory that’s to come. Lastly, I would like to thank the Oman Cricket Board and its staff for always supporting and believing in us and providing us a platform to express our talent.”

Oman coach Aamir Kaleem said: “It’s a very good feeling winning a tournament of this stature. The conditions here were hot and humid and such conditions are not favourable to play the longer format of the game. I am proud of the way our team showed character and played outstanding cricket to lift the trophy. I would commend each and every individual as they have risen to be matchwinners in all departments in every situation the game brought to us.

“We have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and that speaks how well we have been against every opposition. I would like to commend our skipper Rahil Habibulla for leading the team extremely well and being decisive and on top of every decision made on-field makes my job easy and helps me work with the team in a better way. We had 10-11 players playing for the first time in an international event.

“I would like to thank Oman Cricket and our Head Coach Duleep Mendis for believing in us and in my skills as a coach to help them perform and develop their cricketing acumen.”

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.