MUSCAT: The strong performance by Oman U19 boys continues as they booked their place in the final of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier at the Asian Institute of Technology ground in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday.
In the semi-finals, Oman defeated Malaysia by 19 runs for their fourth successive win to secure a spot in the ICC U19 Men's World Cup Asia Division 1 and eye Division 2 title.
Oman, led by Rahil Habibulla, will take on Hong Kong, China, in the final on Tuesday. Hong Kong, China defeated Kuwait in the other semi-final by 33 runs.
Oman will hope to repeat their success against Hong Kong, China, in the final as they had earlier beat the same rivals in the Group B league stage.
On Sunday, Oman, put to bat first, defended a total of 154 against Malaysia as Prathiesh Ramesh picked up three wickets for 26 to dismiss their rivals for 135 in 46.5 overs.
Batting first, Oman were bowled out in 47.2 overs with opening batter Jeet Shah top-scoring with 29. Saumya Sampat and Varshieth Dinesh were the other main scorers with 28 each. For Malaysia, Hadiff Irwan was the most successful bowler with 4/30.
Oman bowling attack rose to the occasion and defended the modest target as Prathiesh, Puladith Ralalage (2-31), Saumya Sampat (2-27), Arya Sampat (1-18) and Gaurav Dinesh (1-16) picked up wickets.
Mohammed Harisan was the top run-getter with 38 while Mohammed Jafri made 20 as the rivals were bowled out for 135.
Oman began their campaign with a dominating 141-run win over Saudi Arabia and then outplayed Hong Kong, China by 53 runs to make it back-to-back wins. Oman’s winning spree continued as they defeated Bhutan by three wickets to keep a clean slate and top Group A
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