Saturday 14 / December / 2024
MUSCAT: Oman’s all-round performance marked a strong start to their Gulf Cup T20 title defence, as they comprehensively defeated Qatar by 35 runs in a high-scoring encounter at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai, UAE. Skipper Jatinder Singh led from the front with a brilliant knock, while veteran spinner Aamir Kaleem's stunning bowling display, taking two wickets off successive balls, provided pivotal moments in the game.
With solid contributions from Wasim Ali and a breezy cameo from Vinayak Shukla, Oman cruised to a total of 204/5 from their 20 overs after being put to bat.
Oman’s innings got off to a commanding start, with Jatinder anchoring the innings with a composed 69 off 50 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes. However, he was dismissed while trying to accelerate, caught behind by Imal Liyanage off Mohammed Nadeem, but not before he had set the platform for the middle order.
Aamir Kaleem, despite being run out for 13, had his moments with the ball later on, making a significant impact by picking up three wickets. Karan Sonavale (10), Hammad Mirza (16), and Wasim Ali (34) all contributed to the run chase.
Ali's fiery 34 off 19 balls, which included three boundaries and a six, before departing off the penultimate ball, and Vinayak Shukla’s explosive 40 off 18 balls that were studded with seven boundaries and a six helped take Oman to a total of 204/5 as the pair shared a 64-run partnership.
Shukla’s ability to clear the boundary added some much-needed acceleration to the innings, making it difficult for the Qatar bowlers to gain control at the death.
Qatar, in response, faced setbacks after a promising start, which led them to 49 in less than five overs by openers Imal Liyanage (22) and Saqlian Arshad (28). The middle order struggled to find rhythm, as Aamir Kaleem took three wickets, including two off consecutive deliveries, to leave Qatar reeling at 113/6 by the 14th over.
Wasim Ali (2/23), Shakeel Ahmed (1/34), Jay Odedara (1/28) also made vital contributions with the ball. Qatar’s Muhammad Asim provided a glimmer of hope with a blistering 63 off 28 balls, which included six fours and three sixes. However, the target proved too steep as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and Qatar was ultimately restricted to 169/8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 35 runs.
The Man of the Match award went to Oman’s skipper Jatinder Singh for his outstanding contribution with the bat.
With this dominant performance, Oman has set the tone for their Gulf Cup T20 title defence, sending a strong message to their rivals.
Brief scores: Oman: 204/5 (Jatinder Singh 69, Wasim Ali 34, Vinayak Shukla 40*) beat Qatar: 169/8 (Muhammad Asim 63, Saqlain Arshad 28, Imal Liyanage 22; Aamir Kaleem 3/19).
