Muscat: Oman produced an epic upset in the world of cricket when they stunned Test-playing Ireland by five wickets to begin their campaign in a Group B match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Zimbabwe on Monday.
This was the first time that Oman had defeated a Test-playing nation in ODI though cricket lovers in Oman would be reminded of the historic win against the same opponents in the ICC T20 World Cup first round in the Indian city of Dharamshala on March 9, 2016.
But this was the maiden victory for Duleep Mendis’ Men in Red as a combined effort from their batters chased down Ireland’s target of 281 on a flat pitch. Three half-centuries from Kashyap Prajapati (72), Aqib Ilyas (52) and skipper Zeeshan Maqsood (59) along with an unbeaten 46 from Mohammad Nadeem led Oman to victory with five wickets and 11 balls left as they scored 285/5. Ayaan Khan (21) and Shoaib Khan (19*) made useful contributions to ensure a calm and crafty chase.
Skipper Maqsood was named the Player of the Match. During the post-match presentation, he said: “Credit goes to team-mates, organisers, coach and families. It was painful to get out. Whatever comes, I take it. It was [a big score], but the wicket played very well in the second half. I am in good form, and just want to carry that.”
The all-rounder added: “It’s an honour [to beat Ireland in the first ODI between them]. Definitely [a special day in Oman cricket]. If we continue like this, some more results will be in our favour. It was a collective and combined performance, which we need to beat a good side. We came here to go there (to India) and play.”
Ireland would have been confident after a flurry of lower-order runs helped them to 281/7 against Oman, with Harry Tector and George Dockrell starring with the bat after Oman won the toss and elected to bowl.
Ireland kept the momentum going when Mark Adair had opener Jatinder Singh caught at second slip for one run. But a partnership worth 94 between Ilyas and Prajapati laid the foundations for Oman.
Both batters reached their half-centuries before Ilyas departed for a 49-ball 52 to Dockrell, but the wicket didn’t derail the innings.
Prajapati and skipper Maqsood kept the runs flowing, adding 62 from the third wicket before the opener finally fell to Josh Little for an excellent 72.
And Little struck again to have Maqsood caught behind for 59 and give his team hope.
Ayaan Khan’s run-a-ball 21 was ended by Adair’s caught and bowled, but with Mohammad Nadeem firing to 46*, Oman closed in on victory.
And the winning runs came at the start of the penultimate over, with Shoaib Khan crunching a four to spark jubilant celebrations
Earlier, Andrew Balbirnie confirmed at the toss that Andy McBrine would open the batting with Paul Stirling having experimented with the idea during the warm-up encounters.
Ben White was also named as an extra spinner in the team, and the side welcomed back Josh Little who sat out their Test match with England. Oman largely stuck with the side that got them through the League 2 campaign.
