MUSCAT: Hosts UAE continued their perfect start in the second edition of the Gulf Cup T20 with a 24-run victory over defending champions Oman at ICC Academy ground in Dubai on Sunday.
After setting a competitive total of 157/7, UAE’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict Oman to just 133, securing their second consecutive win and moving to the top of the points table.
Set to chase 158, Oman’s innings never took off with wickets falling at regular intervals. Opening batter and skipper Jatinder Singh (26) looked to set the platform but was dismissed in the 10th over, caught off the bowling of Muhammad Zuhaib. Oman's chase suffered first blow when Aamir Kaleem (23) was dismissed by a sharp catch from Dhruv Parashar at mid-off, and after Jatinder's exit, Oman were left at 64/2 in 9.4 overs.
As the required run rate climbed, Oman’s middle order failed to produce the partnerships needed. Karan Sonavale (14) was dismissed cheaply, while Hammad Mirza (11) was caught out off Muhammed Jawadullah. With 91/4 in 14th over, Oman found themselves struggling to build any substantial partnerships.
With the scoreboard pressure mounting, Oman’s batting crumbled further. Wasim Ali (17) and Vinayak Shukla (9) were dismissed in quick succession, and when Sufyan Mehmood (0) was run out off the last ball, Oman’s chase ended at 133/8.
Mohammed Nadeem added some resistance but with few batters left to support him, he remained unbeaten on 22.
Junaid Siddique (2/24), Ali Naseer (2/23), and Muhammad Jawadullah (2/25), we're the standout bowlers for the hosts.
Earlier, UAE posted 157/7 in their 20 overs after put to bat. The innings was built on strong contributions from Tanish Suri (40) and skipper Muhammad Waseem (48), who put together a steady partnership of 79 before Suri departed. Alishan Sharafu (22) and Dhruv Parashar (17*) provided brief cameos, but UAE were kept in check by Oman's bowlers, particularly Samay Shrivastav (3/29) and Sufyan Mehmood (2/35). Despite a late collapse, UAE managed to set a competitive target of 157/7 for Oman.
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