MUSCAT: In a spectacular showcase of power hitting, Oman cemented their status as one of the premier teams at the 2024 Hong Kong Sixes cricket tournament, defeating England in the 'Bowl Final' held at Mong Kok on Sunday.
Led by Vinayak Shukla, Oman’s victory marked their second successive win over the formidable English side in this year’s edition.
Sri Lanka emerged as the tournament champions, defeating Pakistan to secure the coveted 'Cup' title, while Oman claimed an unexpected title in the 'Bowl' competition, which featured teams finishing third in the group stage of the 12-nation tournament.
In the 'Bowl Final', England aimed to avenge a previous defeat to Oman in the group stage of the ‘Bowl’ competition. Batting first, England posted a score of 123 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Jordan Thompson led the charge with a blistering 55 runs off 18 balls, which included six sixes, while Ravi Bopara contributed a rapid 51 runs off just 12 deliveries. Mujibur Ali was the lone wicket-taker for Oman, finishing with figures of 1/7.
In response, Oman’s Asif Khan and Vinayak Shukla formed a match-winning partnership, guiding the team to victory with a ball to spare. Asif, named the player of the match, remained unbeaten on 47 runs off 17 balls, while Shukla dazzled with a swift 38 runs off just 12 balls.
It was a memorable event for Shukla, who emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, amassing 275 runs at an impressive average of 137.50 over six innings, while teammate Hassnain Ali boasted the highest strike rate at 415.38. Shukla also won player of the match awards on two occasions.
Oman batters rain down sixes
Oman's earlier encounter against England was a highlight of the tournament, where they exhibited a remarkable display of batting packed with punch and power as they smashed 20 sixes in their quota of six overs. Winning the toss, England opted to send Oman in to bat—a decision that would soon backfire. After a first-ball single, Oman batters launched into action, belting three sixes and a four in the first over, bowled by Ed Barnard.
Shukla was the destroyer-in-chief, launching Jordan Thompson for four consecutive sixes and a boundary off the first five balls of the second over, reaching a remarkable 51 runs off just 10 balls before retiring, as per tournament rules.
If Shukla's explosive start wasn't enough, England were soon met with another barrage from No. 3 batter Hassnain Shah, who unleashed a flurry of four sixes in the third over, propelling Oman to a staggering total of 90 runs within just three overs.
Asif Khan, who had been quiet until then, quickly joined the onslaught, hitting two sixes in the fourth over and adding two more in the fifth. By the time Samit Patel, the former England all-rounder, bowled the final over, Oman had amassed a jaw-dropping total of 159 runs without losing a wicket.
Asif finished unbeaten on 44 runs off 16 balls, while the four batters collectively smashed 20 sixes and six fours, culminating in a record-setting total that became the highest score of the 2024 Hong Kong Super Sixes. In contrast, England struggled in their reply, managing only 92 runs for the loss of four wickets, resulting in a hefty 67-run defeat. The standout performer for England was Ed Barnard, who scored 57 runs off 16 balls, hitting nine sixes.
Journey to the 'Bowl' title
Oman's journey in the tournament began with setbacks, losing preliminary matches to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. However, they rebounded in the 'Bowl' group stage, winning all three matches against New Zealand, India, and England, securing a spot in the 'Bowl Final' against second-placed England.
In their ‘Bowl’ group stage, Oman’s batting prowess was on display against India, as Shukla’s explosive batting helped them chase down a target of 120 runs, concluding with a six-wicket victory.
Oman's remarkable performance at the 2024 Hong Kong Sixes not only earned them the 'Bowl' title but also restored pride following a disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup earlier in the year. The two successive wins against England provided Oman some consolation after a heavy defeat at the hands of the former World Cup winners during the T20 World Cup group match in Antigua earlier in June. Oman were then bowled out for a paltry 47, and England chased down the target in just 3.1 overs.
The Hong Kong title is a testament to the team’s resilience and skill, marking a significant achievement in Oman’s cricket history. The 2024 Hong Kong Cricket Sixes was the 20th edition, making a return after a seven-year hiatus.
Oman team: Vinayak Shukla (captain), Asif Khan, Hassnain Ali Shah, Mujibur Ali, Shoaib Al Balushi, Zikria Islam.
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