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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)
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
All-Omani team go down fighting to Bahrain in closely contested T20 series
Muscat – A determined All-Omani Development Team came close to pulling off a remarkable series win against the visiting Bahraini National Team in a recently concluded three-match T20 series at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat. Despite losing the series 2-1, the all-Omani side earned praise for their resilience, growing maturity, and ability to compete until the very last ball. For a team built entirely around domestic talent, the performances were a sign of exciting progress in Oman's cricketing pipeline. Head coach of the team, Prashanth Chandran said: 'As the coach of the All-Omani Development Team, I'm incredibly proud of the players' mindset and their eagerness to learn.' He added: 'Despite their limited cricketing experience and match practice, they showed tremendous grit and competed hard in all three games against Bahrain.' Chandran said: 'The final match, taken down to the very last ball, was a true display of their fighting spirit and desire to win. With structured training and consistent match exposure, I firmly believe this team has the potential to develop into a highly competitive unit that can make Oman proud on the regional and continental stage.' The three-match series offered a range of challenges for the Omani side, but they responded with character. The opening game was a close-fought contest, with Bahrain setting a modest target of 144/8, thanks to tight bowling spells from Faris Khalid Al Balushi (2/12) and Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi (2/18). Oman fell just short in the chase, finishing at 135/7 despite a well-constructed 56 from Sufyan Mehmood and a steady 34 from Shoaib. The second match saw the hosts come roaring back with a high-scoring win. Batting first, Oman posted a commanding 188/4, led by a fluent 61 from Shoaib and a powerful 50 from Mohammed Al Balushi. Bahrain responded with a spirited chase but were stopped at 185/7, with Faris once again impressing with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. With the series level at 1-1, the decider turned out to be a nail-biter. Oman put up 165/6 on the board, built around Majid Al Balushi's 40 and another solid knock by Mohammed (27). Defending the total, Rashad al Balushi nearly turned the tide with a devastating spell of 5/12. However, Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej played a match-winning hand, scoring 97 runs and steering his team to victory by just one wicket off the final delivery. While the result may not have gone in Oman's favour, the series featured a number of standout performances. Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej topped the run charts with 127 runs, including his match-winning 97 in the final encounter. For Oman, Shoaib Ismail al Balushi impressed with a total of 118 runs across the three games, closely followed by Sufyan Mehmood, who amassed 115 runs. On the bowling front, Faris Khalid al Balushi led the charge for Oman with seven wickets, while Rashad al Balushi made a major impact with his five-wicket haul in the final game. The series offered a valuable glimpse into the potential that lies within the country's domestic circuit. BRIEF SCORES: 1st T20 match: Bahraini National Team 144/8 (Faris Khalid al Balushi 2/12, Shoaib Ismail al Balushi 2/18) beat Oman Development Team 135/7 (Sufyan Mehmood 56 (47), Shoaib Ismail al Balushi 34 (31). 2nd T20 match: Oman Development Team 188/4 (Shoaib Ismail al Balushi 61 (39), Mohammed al Balushi 50 (30)) beat Bahrain National Team 185/7 (Faris Khalid al Balushi 4/38, Sufyan Mehmood 0/26). 3rd T20 match: Oman Development Team: 165/6 (Majid al Balushi 40 (35), Mohammed al Balushi 27 (23) lost to Bahraini National Team: 166/9 (Abdulla Parvej 97; Rashad al Balushi 5/12, Abbas al Balushi 1/22).
Observer
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
All-Omani team go down fighting to Bahrain in T20 series
MUSCAT: A determined All-Omani Development Team came close to pulling off a remarkable series win against the visiting Bahraini National Team in a recently concluded three-match T20 series at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat. Despite losing the series 2-1, the all-Omani side earned praise for their resilience, growing maturity, and ability to compete until the very last ball. For a team built entirely around domestic talent, the performances were a sign of exciting progress in Oman's cricketing pipeline. Head coach of the team, Prashanth Chandran said: 'As the coach of the All-Omani Development Team, I'm incredibly proud of the players' mindset and their eagerness to learn.' He added: 'Despite their limited cricketing experience and match practice, they showed tremendous grit and competed hard in all three games against Bahrain." Chandran said: "The final match, taken down to the very last ball, was a true display of their fighting spirit and desire to win. With structured training and consistent match exposure, I firmly believe this team has the potential to develop into a highly competitive unit that can make Oman proud on the regional and continental stage.' The three-match series offered a range of challenges for the Omani side, but they responded with character. The opening game was a close-fought contest, with Bahrain setting a modest target of 144/8, thanks to tight bowling spells from Faris Khalid al Balushi (2/12) and Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi (2/18). Oman fell just short in the chase, finishing at 135/7 despite a well-constructed 56 from Sufyan Mehmood and a steady 34 from Shoaib. The second match saw the hosts come roaring back with a high-scoring win. Batting first, Oman posted a commanding 188/4, led by a fluent 61 from Shoaib and a powerful 50 from Mohammed al Balushi. Bahrain responded with a spirited chase but were stopped at 185/7, with Faris once again impressing with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. With the series level at 1-1, the decider turned out to be a nail-biter. Oman put up 165/6 on the board, built around Majid al Balushi's 40 and another solid knock by Mohammed (27). Defending the total, Rashad al Balushi nearly turned the tide with a devastating spell of 5/12. However, Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej played a match-winning hand, scoring 97 runs and steering his team to victory by just one wicket off the final delivery. While the result may not have gone in Oman's favour, the series featured a number of standout performances. Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej topped the run charts with 127 runs, including his match-winning 97 in the final encounter. For Oman, Shoaib Ismail al Balushi impressed with a total of 118 runs across the three games, closely followed by Sufyan Mehmood, who amassed 115 runs. On the bowling front, Faris Khalid al Balushi led the charge for Oman with seven wickets, while Rashad al Balushi made a major impact with his five-wicket haul in the final game. The series offered a valuable glimpse into the potential that lies within the country's domestic circuit. Brief scores: 1st T20 match: Bahraini National Team 144/8 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 2/12, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 2/18) beat Oman Development Team 135/7 (Sufyan Mehmood 56 (47), Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 34 (31). 2nd T20 match: Oman Development Team 188/4 (Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 61 (39), Mohammed Al Balushi 50 (30)) beat Bahrain National Team 185/7 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 4/38, Sufyan Mehmood 0/26). 3rd T20 match: Oman Development Team: 165/6 (Majid Al Balushi 40 (35), Mohammed Al Balushi 27 (23) lost to Bahraini National Team: 166/9 (Abdulla Parvej 97; Rashad Al Balushi 5/12, Abbas Al Balushi 1/22).
Observer
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Omani Development Team hosts Bahrain in T20 series
MUSCAT: With youth cricket steadily gaining momentum across the Sultanate of Oman, Oman's Development Squad has taken centre stage this week in a historic bilateral T20 series against the visiting Bahrain national team. The three-match contest, which got underway on Friday, April 25, at the Oman Cricket Academy Grounds in Al Amerat, marks the first official series between two GCC nations featuring all-national players — an unprecedented milestone for the region's cricketing landscape. Led by experienced all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood, the Omani Development Team represents the country's growing pool of homegrown talent. The series is more than just a competitive fixture — it's a celebration of national representation and regional camaraderie. 'It's an absolute honour to lead this talented group of Omani nationals,' said Mehmood ahead of the opener. 'Many of these players have been involved in the sport for several years, and their commitment and hunger for growth is truly inspiring. We've been working hard for nearly an entire season, preparing ourselves for key opportunities ahead — particularly global multi-sport events like the Asian Games, which is a major milestone for us,' he added. Mehmood, who has been a member of national senior team, said: 'This bilateral series against the Bahraini Nationals is not just another contest—it's a historic moment. It marks the first-ever official series between two GCC nations featuring all-national players, and that is a proud occasion for both countries and for cricket in the region. Our preparations have been intense and focused, and I can genuinely see a lot of promise in this squad. The energy, the talent, and the passion among the boys is exactly what you want as a captain. We're looking forward to putting in our best efforts, competing with pride, and hopefully bringing home a memorable series win for Oman.' Omani Development Team in practice Two of the three games were played on the weekend with the final match on April 28 at 2 pm — all taking place on the pristine Turf 1 at Oman Cricket Academy. Omani Development Team: Sufyan Mehmood (Captain), Waheed bin Khalid al Balushi, Issa bin Abdulrahim al Balushi, Shoaib bin Ismail al Balushi, Mohammed bin Ali Akbar al Balushi, Majid bin Hussein al Balushi, Rashad bin Mohammed al Balushi, Sameer bin Othman al Balushi, Ahmed bin Mukhtar al Zadjali, Faris bin Khalid al Balushi, Arif bin Majeed al Balushi, Abbas bin Abdulaziz al Balushi, Muzaffar Shiralkar, Waleed al Balushi. Coach: Prasanth Chandran, manager: Said bin Haidar al Balushi BUSY TIMES FOR OMAN CRICKET The Bahrain series comes amid a particularly hectic stretch for Oman Cricket, underscoring the board's deep commitment to nurturing talent across all age groups and genders. The senior national team hosted a high-profile four-match series against Kerala, India's Ranji Trophy runners-up, offering intense competition and valuable match exposure. On the age-group front, the U19 squad took part in the ICC Asia U19 Qualifier in Nepal, while the U16 team is competing in an ACC tournament hosted in Qatar. The women's national side also completed a promising tour to Dubai, continuing to build depth and experience within their ranks. Adding to the packed calendar, the Karnataka state team from India is set to arrive this week for another eagerly anticipated series. These matches will form a key part of the senior team's preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in the United States this May.
Muscat Daily
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Development Squad to play Bahrain in historic T20 series
Muscat – With youth cricket steadily gaining momentum across the Sultanate, Oman's Development Squad has taken centre stage this week in a historic bilateral T20 series against the visiting Bahrain national team. The three-match contest, which got underway on Friday, April 25, at the Oman Cricket Academy Grounds in Al Amerat, marks the first official series between two GCC nations featuring all-national players—an unprecedented milestone for the region's cricketing landscape. Led by experienced all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood, the Omani Development Team represents the country's growing pool of homegrown talent. The series is more than just a competitive fixture—it's a celebration of national representation and regional camaraderie. 'It's an absolute honour to lead this talented group of Omani nationals,' said Mehmood ahead of the opener. 'Many of these players have been involved in the sport for several years, and their commitment and hunger for growth is truly inspiring. We've been working hard for nearly an entire season, preparing ourselves for key opportunities ahead—particularly global multi-sport events like the Asian Games, which is a major milestone for us,' he added. Mehmood, who has been a member of national senior team, said: 'This bilateral series against the Bahraini Nationals is not just another contest—it's a historic moment. It marks the first-ever official series between two GCC nations featuring all-national players, and that is a proud occasion for both countries and for cricket in the region. Our preparations have been intense and focused, and I can genuinely see a lot of promise in this squad. The energy, the talent, and the passion among the boys is exactly what you want as a captain. We're looking forward to putting in our best efforts, competing with pride, and hopefully bringing home a memorable series win for Oman.' Two of the three games were played on the weekend with the final match on April 28 at 2pm—all taking place on the pristine Turf 1 at Oman Cricket Academy. Omani Development Team: Sufyan Mehmood (Captain), Waheed Khalid Al Balushi, Issa Abdulrahim Al Balushi, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi, Mohammed Ali Akbar Al Balushi, Majid Hussein Al Balushi, Rashad Mohammed Al Balushi, Sameer Othman Al Balushi, Ahmed Mukhtar Al Zadjali, Faris Khalid Al Balushi, Arif Majeed Al Balushi, Abbas Abdulaziz Al Balushi, Muzaffar Nasir Hasan Shiralkar, Waleed Rahim Baksh Al Balushi. Coach: Prasanth Chandran, manager: Said Haidar Al Balushi
