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Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman fall short in thriller but return home proud after successful USA tour
MUSCAT: Oman narrowly missed out on a perfect tour finish after falling just nine runs short against hosts USA in a high-octane match of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, USA, on Tuesday. Despite the narrow loss, Duleep Mendis' men can take pride in a hugely successful campaign, winning three out of four matches to consolidate their overall third place in the League 2 standings with 24 points — just behind leaders USA (28) and second-placed Netherlands (26). All three teams have played 20 games each. Scotland are fourth with 20 points from 16 games, followed by Canada (20 from 20), Namibia (14 from 20), UAE (6 from 16), and Nepal (6 from 12). On Tuesday, chasing a formidable target of 294 after the hosts posted 293/8, Oman staged a spirited fight led by a blistering 72 off 51 balls from all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood. However, USA held their nerve in the closing overs to clinch a nail-biting victory, restricting Oman to 284/9. Mehmood's late counterattack, featuring five boundaries and three sixes, nearly pulled off a sensational heist. He was well supported by Vinayak Shukla (46 off 37) and Hammad Mirza (50 off 52). But wickets fell at regular intervals, and Mehmood's dismissal in the 48th over at 273 proved pivotal. Earlier, USA rode on a steady team performance to post a strong total. Saiteja Mukkamalla top-scored with a fluent 73 off 79 deliveries, while Harmeet Singh was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution — 33 off 36 balls and a crucial bowling spell of 3/69. Key contributions also came from openers Smit Patel (41) and Shayan Jahangir (37), with Sanjay Krishnamurthi providing a late flourish through a rapid unbeaten 40 off 27 balls. Oman's bowlers shared the workload: Mehmood (3/58), Aamir Kaleem (2/43), and Shakeel Ahmed (2/52) were among the wickets. Despite disciplined efforts, the USA batters paced their innings well, accelerating at the death to push the total just beyond reach. In response, Oman lost Aamir Kaleem early but skipper Jatinder Singh (42) provided a solid platform. The middle-order trio of Mirza, Shukla and Mehmood revived the chase, and with 21 needed off the last two overs and two wickets in hand, Oman still had a shot. But Jasdeep Singh (3/64) and Harmeet Singh ensured USA finished on top. Although Oman missed out on a perfect four-win record, the team captained by Jatinder, return home with their heads held high. The tour was a strong statement of their consistency and growing strength in the 50-over format. Brief scores: USA 293/8 (Smit Patel 41, Shayan Jahangir 37, Saiteja Mukkamalla 73, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 40*, Harmeet Singh 33; Sufyan Mehmood 3/58, Shakeel Ahmed 2/52, Aamir Kaleem 2/43) beat Oman 284/9 (Jatinder Singh 42, Hammad Mirza 50, Vinayak Shukla 46, Sufyan Mehmood 72; Jasdeep Singh 3/64, Harmeet Singh 3/69)
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
All-round Oman post crucial win over Canada
MUSCAT: A composed, unbeaten 76 from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nadeem, complemented by a career-best 77 from Hammad Mirza, laid the foundation for Oman's 15-run triumph over Canada at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, USA, on Monday, in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2. The victory not only secured vital points for Duleep Mendis-coached Oman but also elevated them to fourth place in the standings, surpassing Canada on net run rate. Oman's innings got off to a stuttering start, reduced to 10/2 inside five overs with Kaleem Sana striking twice. Aamir Kaleem and skipper Jatinder Singh fell cheaply, and Pruthvikumar Machhi's dismissal left the side wobbling at 31/3. But Mirza, calm and composed, anchored the innings with a gritty knock under pressure. Playing in only his eighth ODI, Mirza stitched a 72-run stand for the fifth wicket with Nadeem, who later accelerated superbly in the final ten overs. Mirza crafted a patient 77 off 103 deliveries, including three boundaries and two sixes. Nadeem's unbeaten 76 – his highest score in ODIs – featured seven boundaries and two sixes off 77 balls, giving Oman much-needed momentum at the death. Sufyan Mehmood's handy 20* ensured Oman finished strongly at 217/6, adding 50 runs in the final 55 balls without losing a wicket during their 65-run key partnership for the seventh wicket. Nadeem was named Player of the Match. Despite Canada's varied attack, Oman's calculated middle-overs recovery gave them a total that kept them firmly in the contest. Kaleem Sana (2/37), Shivam Sharma (2/27), and Dilon Heyliger (2/36) were the pick of the Canadian bowlers. Spinners stifle Canadian chase In response, Canada's innings was anchored by Pargat Singh, who scored 85 off 104 balls, featuring 12 boundaries. However, Oman's spin attack, led by leg-spinner Samay Shrivastava and left-arm orthodox Shakeel Ahmed, applied consistent pressure. Shrivastava claimed three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Singh, while Ahmed also took three wickets, effectively dismantling Canada's middle order. Singh was bowled by Shrivastava in the 38th over with Canada at 147 for seven. Shivam Sharma and Dilon Heyliger, batting at No. 8 and 9, looked to be leading Canada toward the victory target. But Sharma, on 37, was caught at the boundary in the 46th over with Canada at 190 for eight. Heyliger followed in the 48th over, dismissed for 18 by debutant Mujibur Ali, who claimed his maiden international wicket. Canada's chase ended on the last ball of the 49th over when No. 10 batter Kaleem Sana, on four, was caught at the boundary off Sufyan — leaving them all out for 202 with six balls remaining. The win propels Oman to fourth in the League 2 standings, level on 20 points with Canada but ahead on net run rate. Oman next face the United States on May 21, aiming to build on this victory and further solidify their standing in the league. The World Cup League 2 features eight teams — also including Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates — with each side playing 36 ODIs spread across nine triangular series through December 2026. The top four teams progress to a 10-nation World Cup Qualifier that will determine the final four entrants for the 2027 World Cup. The Netherlands (12 wins, 6 defeats, 2 no-results) top the standings ahead of the USA (12 wins, 5 losses) and Scotland (9 wins, 5 losses, 2 no-results). Monday's win moved Oman (9 wins, 6 defeats, 2 no-results) past Canada (9 wins, 7 losses, 2 no-results) into fourth. Brief scores: Oman 217/6 (Hammad Mirza 77, Mohammed Nadeem 77*, Sufyan Mehmood 20*; Kaleem Sana 2/37, Shivam Sharma 2/27, Dilon Heyliger 2/36) beat Canada 202 in 49 overs (Pargat Singh 85, Harsh Thaker 33, Shivam Sharma 37; Shakeel Ahmed 3/41, Samay Shrivastava 3/31, Sufyan Mehmood 1/37, Aamir Kaleem 1/46, Mujibur Ali 1/1).
Times of Oman
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Oman cricket team lands in USA for high-stakes ICC CWC League 2 Series
MUSCAT — Fuelled by weeks of intense preparation and a steely determination to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, the Oman national cricket team touched down in the United States on Friday ahead of the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWC L2) tri-series, which begins on May 17 at Broward Stadium in Florida. The tri-series will see Oman take on hosts USA and fellow contenders Canada in what is shaping up to be a pivotal leg of the League 2 campaign. Oman currently are fourth in the standings with 18 points, behind USA (22 points from 16 matches), Netherlands (22 from 17), and Canada (20), making this Florida series a must-perform tour for the Men in Red. Arriving a week in advance, Oman will begin their pre-series schedule with two warm-up matches against Minor League Cricket sides on May 11 and 13 in Orlando, giving them time to adapt to American conditions and fine-tune combinations. Head coach Duleep Mendis believes the team is ready, citing the high-quality preparations back home, including a fiercely contested four-match series against Kerala that ended 2-2 and a three-match face-off with Karnataka, which Oman lost 0-3 but drew vital lessons from. 'We are coming to showcase our strength in the L2 series in the USA. The preparations have been amazing,' said Mendis. 'First, we had Kerala here. Then Karnataka — among top Indian domestic teams. Playing under such testing conditions has helped our players immensely. You can't ask for better match exposure than this before a major international series.' Skipper Jatinder Singh was in sublime touch during the Kerala series, scoring 210 runs in just two innings, including a commanding 150. Pruthvi Machhi also struck a century, while Mohammad Nadeem contributed with two gritty fifties. Aamir Kaleem and Mujib Ali added one fifty each. On the bowling front, Hassnain Ali Shah led the charge with 9 wickets in two games, with Shakeel Ahmed close behind, claiming 7 scalps. Despite the clean sweep by Karnataka, the likes of Hammad Mirza (124), Machhi, Nadeem, Vinayak Shukla, and Aryan Bisht — all of whom registered fifties — showed promise. 'That series, though tough, gave our youngsters the kind of match toughness that can't be taught in nets,' Mendis added. He also reflected on the rapid rebuilding process Oman Cricket undertook after losing several senior players last year. 'We had to assemble a new team within two days for the Emerging Teams Asia Cup,' he recalled. 'Then came the tri-series in Al Amerat against Netherlands and UAE. It was a very difficult phase, but the boys adapted well and produced some remarkable results.' Among those to watch is Aryan Bisht, a talented off-spinner and middle-order bat who played for Oman's U19 side in 2022 and made the Emerging Asia Cup squad earlier this year. This tour marks his first appearance in a senior ODI assignment. Looking ahead, Mendis is confident that Oman's blend of youth and experience, backed by a potent spin department and a steadily maturing core, can keep their qualification hopes alive. 'This is an important series. The boys are strong, the mindset is right, and I believe this team can go all the way,' he said. As the countdown begins in Florida, Oman's campaign will be underpinned by strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a burning desire to prove that this rebuilt side has what it takes to rise on the world stage. Oman squad: Jatinder Singh (captain), Vinayak Shukla (vice-captain), Aamir Kaleem, Pruthvi Machhi, Hammad Mirza, Mohammad Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmed, Jay Odedra, Samay Shrivastava, Hassnain Ali Shah, Muhammad Imran, Mujib Ali, Muzahir Raza, Aryan Bisht. Oman tour schedule (Florida, USA): May 11: Warm-up match vs Minor League team, Orlando, May 13: Warm-up match vs Minor League team, Orlando, May 17: Travel to Fort Lauderdale, May 19: Oman vs Canada, May 21: Oman vs USA, May 23: Oman vs Canada, May 25: Oman vs USA, May 26: Rest day, May 27: Oman vs USA, May 28: Departure.
Observer
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Cricket launches OC T10 tourney
Muscat: Oman Cricket is thrilled to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated inaugural OC T10 Tournament, featuring 48 teams from B to I Divisions (8 Divisions). The tournament brings together the best emerging cricketing talent in an action-packed, fast-paced format on the state-of-the-art Oman Cricket Turf Grounds in Al Amerat. With the T10 format gaining immense popularity globally and serving a medium to enjoy cricket with instances at every ball, Oman Cricket aims and continues to foster a competitive cricketing environment, offering teams an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills, involve friends and family during the evenings and gain quality exposure of playing on Cricket Turf in Oman. The OC T10 promises high-energy encounters, breathtaking performances and thrilling finishes as teams battle for supremacy in this electrifying short-format competition. The 10-overs-a-side tournament will feature 48 teams, from B to I divisions in 8 groups of 6 teams each. Each group will play a round-robin league format with each team playing 5 league matches. A total of 120 matches will be played on the state-of-the-art Oman Cricket Academy Turf grounds, opening the doors to all cricketers to experience quality cricket at the Home of Cricket in Oman. Duleep Mendis, Chief Development Officer, Oman Cricket, stated: 'The OC T10 is an exciting initiative aimed at expanding the reach of cricket in Oman, making it more accessible to working professionals. It provides an opportunity for players from different divisions to compete in a dynamic format, sharpen their skills and gain increased match experience throughout the season.' Oman Cricket encourages fans, cricket enthusiasts and aspiring players to follow the tournament closely and support the teams as they embark on their quest for glory.
Muscat Daily
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Oman Cricket launches T10 tournament
Muscat, Oman – Oman Cricket launched a new OC T10 Tournament, featuring 48 teams from B to I Divisions (8 Divisions). The tournament will bring together the best emerging talent in an action-packed, fast-paced format on Oman Cricket Turf Grounds in Amerat. With the T10 format gaining immense popularity globally, Oman Cricket aims and continues to foster a competitive cricketing environment, offering teams an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills. The OC T10 promises high-energy encounters, breathtaking performances, and thrilling finishes as teams battle for supremacy in the shortest-format competition. The 10-overs-a-side tournament will feature teams from B to I divisions in eight groups of six teams each. Each group will play a round-robin league format with each team playing five league matches. A total of 120 matches will be played, opening the doors to all cricketers to experience quality cricket at the Home of Cricket in Oman. Speaking on the tournament, Duleep Mendis, Chief Development Officer, Oman Cricket stated: 'The OC T10 is an exciting initiative aimed at expanding the reach of cricket in Oman, making it more accessible to working professionals and provide exposure to our OC Domestic Seasons B to I division teams to play on Turf. It provides an opportunity for players from different divisions to compete in a dynamic format, sharpen their skills, and gain increased match experience throughout the season.'
