MUSCAT: Oman continued its winning streak, beating better rated Hong Kong by two wickets in a thrilling encounter in Dubai on Sunday. Oman had whitewashed USA in a three-match home series earlier this month. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Hong Kong made a solid start, reaching 120 for two before Oman fought back with multiple strikes, reducing it to 151 for 7.
Hong Kong never really recovered from the middle order collapse and folded up for 207 in 47.5 overs. Cameron McAuslan (42) and Anshuman Rath (42) were the leading scorers while James Caoter (32) and Shahid Wasif (37) provided vital support with valuable knocks.
Khawar Ali was once again the main wicket-taker with four for 57. Bilal Khan and Jay Odedara bowled well too, taking two wickets each.
Oman lost openers Khawar Ali and Arun Poulose cheaply but Aqib Ilyas and Vaibhav Wategaonkar slammed contrasting half centuries to put Oman’s chase back on track.
A middle order collapse then saw Oman slumping to 157 for 8 after being comfortably placed at 121 for 4. Ahmed Fayyaz Butt slammed a brilliant 30 not out to steer Oman to an exciting victory. Vaibhav was declared man of the match for his vital knock.
The two teams are facing off for the second match at the same venue today (Tuesday). The third game will be played at ICC Cricket Academy ground on December 14.
Brief scores: Hong Kong 2017 all out in 47.5 overs (Cameron McAuslan 42, Anshuman Rath 42, James Caoter 32, Shahid Wasif 37. Khawar Ali 4-57, Bilal Khan 2-23, Jay Odedara 2-34) lost to Oman 211 for 8 in 49 overs (Waibhav Wategaonkar 52, Aqib Ilyas 51, Ahmed Fayyaz Butt 30 not out, Naseem Khushi 21. Aizaz Khan 3-37, Ehsan Nawaz Khan 2-33) by two wickets.
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