USA Crumbles as Oman Registers Commanding Seven-Wicket Win
The ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States of America and Oman took place at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman, on February 12th, 2025. Oman secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory, thanks to a match-winning performance by Shakeel Ahmed.
The USA won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings, however, got off to a shaky start with early wickets falling in quick succession. Shakeel Ahmed was the standout performer for Oman, dismissing Smit Patel (7), Andries Gous (13), and Monank Patel (0) within the first five overs. The USA found themselves struggling at 36/3.
Saiteja Mukkamalla played a crucial innings, anchoring the USA’s batting effort with a resilient 80 off 106 balls. He struck nine boundaries and provided much-needed stability. However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Milind Kumar (12 off 36) and Aaron Jones (15 off 44) were unable to accelerate the innings. Contributions from Harmeet Singh (6), Sanjay Krishnamurthi (1), and Shadley van Schalkwyk (2) were minimal, as Oman’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
Shakeel Ahmed finished with impressive figures of 4/26 in 9.1 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Jay Odedra also contributed significantly, taking 3/23, while Samay Shrivastav and Wasim Ali chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively. The USA was bowled out for 151 in 42.1 overs, setting Oman a target of 152.
Oman’s chase was controlled and measured. Despite a slow start, opener Aamir Kaleem played a steady knock of 28 off 78 balls before being trapped lbw by Harmeet Singh. Captain Jatinder Singh took charge, crafting a composed 82 off 127 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. His unbeaten innings ensured Oman’s successful chase.
Hammad Mirza (12 off 35) and Wasim Ali (18 off 20) provided brief support before falling to Harmeet Singh and Milind Kumar, respectively. However, by the time Wasim Ali was dismissed, Oman was already within reach of victory. Vinayak Shukla remained unbeaten on 8, guiding Oman to 152/3 in 45.5 overs.
The USA’s bowling attack failed to make significant breakthroughs, with Harmeet Singh being the most effective bowler, taking 2/20 in his 10-over spell. Milind Kumar took one wicket for 33 runs in 10 overs. Saurabh Netravalkar and Nosthush Kenjige bowled economically but went wicketless.
