Oman whitewash Qatar’s Stallions in 2-match series

MUSCAT: Oman women’s team proved to be too strong for Qatar’s Stallion Cricket Academy, whitewashing the visitors in the 25-over two-match series played at Ministry of Sports grassy ground 1 in Al Amerat.

Having recently returned from an eventful Malaysia tour, Oman appeared to be in good shape after a tough training camp under the tutelage of its coaching staff. Vaishali Jesrani, Oman Cricket’s Coordinator for women’s game, was pleased with the team’s performance and hoped the girls would show similar energy and commitment against stronger opponents in the forthcoming assignments.

The first game was a cakewalk for the hosts as Stallions received an embarrassing 10-wicket hiding under the floodlights. Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors ran into trouble from the very outset and were in dire straits by the 12th over, reeling at 66 for 6. Only Ayesha put up some resistance with her 48 off 58 balls as the Stallions were dismissed for a paltry 97 in the 21st over.

Oman captain Anu Ashok was once again the leading wicket-taker for her side, claiming four wickets for 17 runs. Shreya Dhuri and Saya Channa took two wickets each.

Oman raced to the target in the 13th over thanks to a wonderful unbroken opening partnership between Trupti Pawde (60 not out off 49) and Jayadhanya Gunasekar (16 not out off 32). Trupti was particularly impressive, hitting 12 fours in her essay.

In the second game, Stallions posted a fighting total of 130 for 4 in 25 overs thanks to vital knocks by Lucky (48 of 65) and Ayesha (40 off 50). Anu Ashok was the only bowler to claim a wicket as all the other batswomen were run out.

Another 110-run solid opening partnership put Oman in control of the game as it chased down the target in the 19th over, scoring 131 for 2. Jayadhanya Gunasekar led the batting honours with a fluent 52 off 54 balls while Trupti Pawde collected 44 not out off 52.

Brief scores

First match: Stallions Cricket Academy, Qatar 97 all out in 20.3 overs (Ayesha 48 – 3x4. Anu Ashok 4-17, Shreya Dhuri 2-14, Saya Channa 2-15) lost to Oman Women’s Team 98 for 0 in 12.3 overs (Trupti Pawde 60 not out – 12x4, Jayadhanya Gunasekar 16 not out – 1x4) by 10 wickets.

Second match: Stallions Cricket Academy, Qatar 130 for 4 in 25 overs (Lucky 48 – 4x4, Ayesha 40 3x4. Anu Ashok 1-30) lost to Oman Women’s Team 131 for 2 in 18.2 overs (Jayadhanya Gunasekar 52 – 6x4, Trupti Pawde 44 not out – 4x4) by 8 wickets.