Oman’s strategy of relying on spin backfired as Nosthush Kenjige’s brilliant spell dismantled their batting lineup. The USA secured a dominant 57-run victory in the ICC World Cup League 2 match at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Tuesday.
Kenjige, the left-arm spinner, delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 11 runs. His spell led to Oman’s dramatic collapse as they were bowled out for just 65, chasing a modest target of 123. This marked Oman’s lowest-ever ODI score, surpassing their previous low of 81 against Namibia in 2019.
With this win, the USA avenged their earlier defeat to Oman in the tri-series. They now hold the top spot in the points table, with 22 points from 16 matches. Meanwhile, Oman remained second with 18 points. Namibia, with 12 points from 16 games, followed in third place, and Canada, with four games in hand, stood fourth with 16 points.
The USA initially struggled with the bat, losing four wickets within the first 10 overs. Oman’s spinners, led by Shakeel Ahmed (3-20) and Aamir Kaleem (2-22), took full advantage of the situation, reducing the USA to 31-5. However, Milind Kumar (47 off 82 balls) steadied the innings with two crucial partnerships. He added 30 runs with Aaron Jones (16) for the sixth wicket and another 33 runs with Sanjay Krishnamurthi (16) for the seventh. Thanks to Kumar’s efforts, the USA managed to reach 122 before being dismissed in 35.3 overs.
Oman’s spinners continued to dominate throughout the innings, with nine out of the ten wickets falling to them, the tenth wicket being a run out.
As Oman began their chase of 123, the situation quickly turned bleak. Both openers fell early, including captain Jatinder Singh (7). Hammad Mirza (29 off 43) was the only batter to show any resistance, but he received little support. Oman’s highest partnership was a mere 22 runs, and their collapse continued.
Kenjige’s relentless accuracy triggered a dramatic collapse, reducing Oman from 57-5 to 65 all out. He dismissed Vinayak Shukla (5) and Mirza to leave Oman at 60-6. Kenjige then removed Shakeel Ahmed, Jay Odedra, and Siddharth Bukkapatnam in quick succession, taking the last three wickets in just three overs.
Kenjige was well-supported by the USA’s spin attack, including Yasir Mohammad (2-10), Milind Kumar (2-17), and Harmeet Singh (1-25). Together, they helped bowl Oman out and secure a comprehensive victory. Kumar’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Oman’s Jiten Ramanandi made his ODI debut, receiving his first cap from captain Jatinder Singh during the match.
Brief scores:
USA 122 in 35.3 overs (Milind Kumar 47, Aaron Jones 16, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 16; Shakeel Ahmed 3/20, Aamir Kaleem 2/22, Samay Shrivastava 2/41)
Oman 65 in 25.3 overs (Hammad Mirza 29; Nosthush Kenjige 5/11, Milind Kumar 2/17, Yasir Mohammad 2/10)
