Malaysia trounce Oman in third match to clinch series

MUSCAT: Oman women’s cricket team returned from Malaysia after an eventful series which the hosts won 2-1. All the matches were played at Malaysia’s famed Kinrara Oval, providing young Oman squad vital international exposure to different playing conditions.

After losing the first game by 4 wickets, Oman fought back valiantly, winning the second match by one wicket after a thrilling contest to square the series 1-1.

Batting first, Malaysia posted 101 for 5 in 20 overs thanks to vital knocks by Mas Elysa Yasmin (38 not out), Emylia Eliani (23) and Yusrina Yakop (19). Oman captain Anu Amal was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 20 runs in her four-over spell.

Oman made a terrible start to its run chase, losing its first six wickets for just 50 runs, before fighting back with a 32-run game-changing partnership between Anu Amal and Shajina Rajesh. After Shajina’s departure Anu held on to see her side to victory, remaining unbeaten at 32 as Oman scored 105 for 9 in 18.4 overs.

Nur Nadhira bowled well and bagged three wickets for Malaysia.

In the third and final match, Malaysia posted a bigger total on the board, scoring 116 for 4 in 20 overs and then bowled Oman out for a meagre 71 in 15.4 overs after Oman’s run chase was interrupted twice by rain.

Opener Yusrina Yakop top-scored with 46 off 56 balls, while Mas Elysa Yasmin contributed run-a-ball 30. Anu Amal was once again the main wicket-taker, claiming 2 for 20.

Oman started off well, scoring 26 without loss but then lost its way due to fine bowling and rain interruptions, folding up for just 71 runs. Jayadhanya Gunasekar top-scored with brilliant 21 off only 11 balls. Nur Nadhira once again played the leading role in Oman’s failure, claiming six wickets while Nur Syazwina bagged three.

Brief scores (second match): Malaysia 101 for 5 in 20 overs (Mas Elysa Yasmin 38 not out – 3x4, Emylia Eliani 23 – 4x4, Yusrina Yakop 19 – 2x4. Anu Amal 3-20) lost to Oman 105 for 9 in 18.4 overs (Anu Amal 21 not out – 1x4, Shajina Rajesh 20 – 1x4. Nur Nadhira 3-13) by one wicket.

Third match: Malaysia 116 for 4 in 20 overs (Yusrina Yakop 46 – 4x4, Mas Elysa Yasmin 30 not out – 1x4. Anu Amal 2-20) defeated Oman 71 all out in 15.4 overs (Jayadhanya 21 – 5x4. Nur Nadhira 6-13, Nur Syazwina 3-16) by 45 runs.