Zeeshan leads Oman to opening win

MUSCAT: Oman's skipper Zeeshan Maqsood displayed an exceptional all-round performance, leading his team to a remarkable 32-run win over Malaysia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final, which commenced with style in Kirtipur, Nepal on Monday.

In a Group A clash among the eight-nation qualifiers, Oman took the crease first and posted a score of 153/6. The bowlers then put up an outstanding performance, restricting Malaysia to 121/8, despite an unbeaten 57-run effort by Virandeep Singh.

Oman's opening pair, Kashyap Prajapati (25) and debutant Pratik Athavale (12), made a rapid start, reaching 39 runs within five overs. Nonetheless, the quick dismissals of both openers within two balls, along with Aqib Ilyas and Shoaib Khan's failure to contribute significantly, put Duleep Mendis' team in a precarious position at 65/4 in the 12th over.

Maqsood then emerged as the saviour with a counter-attack knock that included five boundaries and two maximums, resulting in an unbeaten 56 runs off 46 balls. Mehran Khan chipped in with 15 runs off nine balls, including two sixes. A crucial unbroken 47-run partnership between Maqsood and the seasoned Mohammed Nadeem, guided Oman to a total of 153. Nadeem's contribution of an unbeaten 21 runs off 11 balls was punctuated by two fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Virandeep Singh was the most successful bowler for Malaysia, picking up three wickets for 24 runs.

Oman's pacer, Bilal Khan, got his team off to a dream start by dismissing opener Syed Aziz on the very first ball of Malaysia's innings. Bilal claimed his second victim by dismissing Mohammed Amir in his next over, leaving Malaysia at 17/2.

As spinners Shakeel Ahmed and Maqsood picked up wickets, Malaysia were soon reduced to 36/4. With spinners creating difficulties for the batters, Ayaan Khan and Aqib Ilyas also joined the wicket-taking spree, leaving the opposition in tatters at 68/6 in the 13th over.

Maqsood secured his second wicket, and Malaysia struggled to score, with only Virandeep managing to push the scoring, staying unbeaten with a 53-ball 57.

Oman are set to face Singapore on Tuesday.

After the initial round of matches, Nepal top Pool A with a superior net run-rate of 1.659, as compared to Oman's 1.600. Nepal secured an easy eight-wicket win over Singapore earlier in the day, with Singapore being restricted to 145/9, and Nepal reaching the target with 16.3 overs to spare, finishing at 147/2. Kushal Bhurtel contributed significantly with 74 runs, and skipper Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 35.

In Group B, Hong Kong and UAE both earned two points with victories over Kuwait and Bahrain, respectively. UAE won against Bahrain by five wickets, while Hong Kong triumphed by 16 runs.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year will see two teams secure their spots during this seven-day event in Nepal. The teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semifinals. The winners of those semifinals will secure a place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year, with the grand final set for November 5.

The 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup is the first edition to feature 20 teams.

Brief scores: Oman 153/6 (Zeeshan Maqsood 56*, Kashyap Prajapati 25, Mohammed Nadeem 21*; Virandeep Singh 3/24) defeated Malaysia 121/8 (Virandeep Singh 57*; Bilal Khan 2/32, Zeeshan Maqsood 2/13, Ayaan Khan 1/11, Aqib Ilyaas 1/16, Fayyaz Butt 1/25, Shakeel Ahmed 1/21).