In a close encounter at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, the United States of America held their nerve to edge out Oman by 9 runs in a high-scoring contest in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Batting first after Oman won the toss and opted to field, the USA put up a strong total of 293/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Despite a valiant chase, Oman fell just short, finishing at 284/9.
The USA’s innings began steadily, with openers Smit Patel and Shayan Jahangir giving them a strong platform. Jahangir was the aggressor, scoring a quick 37 off 30 balls, including seven boundaries, before falling to Sufyan Mehmood. Smit Patel played a more measured knock of 41 from 47 deliveries, anchoring the innings until he was dismissed by Aamir Kaleem.
The USA middle order contributed crucial runs, with captain Monank Patel scoring 26, and Saiteja Mukkamalla anchoring the innings with a solid 73 off 79 balls, which included five fours and a six. After a mid-innings wobble, it was Harmeet Singh’s quickfire 33 and Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s aggressive unbeaten 40 off just 27 balls, including three sixes, that pushed the USA to a formidable total. Sufyan Mehmood was the pick of Oman’s bowlers with figures of 3/58, while Aamir Kaleem chipped in with 2/43.
Chasing 294 for victory, Oman had a rocky start, losing Aamir Kaleem in the second over. Captain Jatinder Singh and Mujibur Ali tried to rebuild but struggled against disciplined bowling. Harmeet Singh made a strong impact with the ball, removing Mujibur and the dangerous Hammad Mirza, who scored a well-made 50. Harmeet later dismissed wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla, who had given Oman hope with a blistering 46 from 37 balls.
Oman’s chances surged when Sufyan Mehmood launched a counterattack, scoring a brilliant 72 off just 51 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. With the required rate climbing, Jasdeep Singh struck at the right moments, dismissing Mehmood and later Hassnain Shah to finish with 3/64. Saurabh Netravalkar and Milind Kumar bowled economically, each claiming a wicket and keeping the scoring rate in check during the middle overs.
Despite some late resistance from Shakeel Ahmed and Samay Shrivastava, Oman ultimately fell short, ending at 284/9. Harmeet Singh was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 33 and taking three vital wickets.
