Cricket: Oman women’s team whitewash Qatar’s Stallions

Muscat: Oman women’s cricket team were too strong for Qatar’s Stallion Cricket Academy, whitewashing the visitors in the 25-over two-match series played at Ministry of Sports Affaris Ground I in Al Amerat.
Having recently returned from an eventful Malaysia tour, Oman appeared to be in good shape after a tough training camp under the tutelage of their coaching staff.
Vaishali Jesrani, Oman Cricket’s Co-ordinator for women’s game, was pleased with the team’s performance and hoped the girls would show similar energy and commitment against stronger opponents in the forthcoming assignments.
The first game was a cakewalk for the hosts as Stallions received an embarrassing 10-wicket hiding under the floodlights. Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors ran into trouble from the very outset and were in dire straits by the 12th over, reeling at 66 for six. Only Ayesha put up some resistance with her 48 off 58 balls as the Stallions were dismissed for a paltry 97 in the 21st over.
Oman captain Anu Ashok was once again the leading wicket-taker for her side, claiming four wickets for 17 runs. Shreya Dhuri and Saya Channa took two wickets each.
Oman raced to their target in the 13th over thanks to a wonderful unbroken opening partnership between Trupti Pawde (60 not out off 49) and Jayadhanya Gunasekar (16 not out off 32). Trupti was particularly impressive, hitting 12 fours in her essay.
In the second game, Stallions posted a fighting total of 130 for four in 25 overs thanks to vital knocks by Lucky (48 of 65) and Ayesha (40 off 50).
Anu Ashok was the only bowler to claim a wicket as all the other batswomen were run out.
Another 110-run solid opening partnership put Oman in control of the game as they chased down the target in the 19th over, scoring 131 for two. Jayadhanya Gunasekar led the batting honours with a fluent 52 off 54 balls while Trupti Pawde collected 44 not out off 52.

Results:
1st match: Stallions Cricket Academy Qatar 97 in 20.3 overs (Ayesha 48; Anu Ashok 4/17, Shreya Dhuri 2/14, Saya Channa 2/15) lost to Oman Women’s Team 98 for no loss in 12.3 overs (Trupti Pawde 60 n.o., Jayadhanya Gunasekar 16 n.o.).
2nd match: Stallions Cricket Academy Qatar 130 for 4 in 25 overs (Lucky 48, Ayesha 40; Anu Ashok 1/30) lost to Oman Women’s Team 131 for 2 in 18.2 overs (Jayadhanya Gunasekar 52, Trupti Pawde 44 n.o.).