In a game that had so much at stake for both teams, the emotional highs and lows that Oman and Bangladesh fans experienced had to be seen to be believed.
In what was probably the most high-profile international match ever played in the Sultanate, Oman gave Bangladesh quite a scare before surrendering to the experience of the Mahmudullah-led side.
The 3000-capacity Oman Cricket Academy (OCA) Ground was housefull on D-Day and the Oman supporters and Bangladeshi fans had thronged the stadium in large numbers.
Oman fans with their flags, placards and team merchandise adorned the stadium showcasing the passion of Oman cricket and their love for the national team.
When Bangladesh batted first and lost couple of early wickets, Oman fans really got into the act with their chanting and shouting in support.
When catches were dropped, the oohs and aahs and the shrugging of shoulders were all on display as the Oman cricket fan experienced a gamut of emotions as the pendulum swung from one end to the other.
The DJ leading the cheerleading egged on the fans with a lot of zest and it got the fans on their feet as well as Oman, Oman!! reached a crescendo.
At the innings break, one could say the Oman fans were the more confident lot as compared to the Bangladeshi ones with the latter wary of another huge upset.
FRENZIED PRESS BOX
The 35-odd strong media contingent from Bangladesh present in the Press Box were a nervy lot as the game progressed. While Oman were in a strong position when Jatinder Singh and Kashyap Prajapati were going hammer and tongs, there was some serious concern and chatter among the Bangladeshi journos.
It was gloomy for the first 10 overs of the Oman batting after which the mood lifted up a bit as Bangladesh picked up crucial wickets.
When Oman were in total disarray after losing 3-4 wickets in a jiffy, there was a celebratory atmosphere in the Press Box among the dominant Bangladeshi media contingent.
It was a huge relief of having salvaged and kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup.
Post the match, there was drum-beating and music playing as the Bangladeshi fans showed their elation coming out of the venue while it was pretty downcast among the home fans.
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