Oman clinch T20I series win over PNG

MUSCAT: In a thrilling showdown at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat, the host nation, Oman, emerged triumphant in the three-match T20I series against Papua New Guinea (PNG), securing a 2-1 victory on Friday.

The visiting team, PNG, showcased their formidable skills, pushing Oman to their limits throughout the series.

Prior to the T20I face-off, both teams had battled to a 1-1 draw in the unofficial one-day international series, setting the stage for an intense showdown.

This series served as a valuable preparatory phase for Oman's cricketers, gearing up for significant upcoming challenges, notably their participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by West Indies and the USA in June.

Oman's head coach, Duleep Mendis, had the opportunity to closely assess his squad's capabilities, and he must be content with their performance in the three-match series with his experienced players coming good.

The decisive match on Friday saw Mendis’ men clinching the series honours with a hard-fought four-wicket victory, following the teams' 1-1 tie.

Notably, each match in the series was won by the team chasing the target.

In the opener, Oman secured a three-wicket win, chasing down the target with just three balls to spare.

In the subsequent match, PNG dominated, chasing down the target with eight wickets in hand and four balls to spare.

In the final match, Oman's Khalid Kail, making his T20I debut in the series, played a pivotal role in guiding the hosts to victory with an unbeaten 32 off 37 balls, as Oman successfully chased down PNG's target of 127 with an over to spare.

Veteran all-rounder Mehran Khan showcased his prowess in the T20 format, contributing significantly with both bat and ball, including a crucial 19 runs off 17 balls, and notable performances throughout the series.

The series opener witnessed Oman's successful pursuit of a target of 136, led by Kashyap Prajapati's unbeaten half-century (57*) and skipper Zeeshan Maqsood's stellar all-round display that included 2/29 and a 36-ball 42.

Despite a strong comeback from PNG in the second match, Oman's performance in the series finale sealed their victory.

The second T20I saw PNG’s Sese Bau (65* off 57 balls) and captain Assad Vala (51 off 41 balls) strike half-centuries as the tourists scored 148/2 with four balls to spare to chase down Oman’s 145/7. Kail was the top-scorer for the hosts with 55 off 43 balls.

Kail emerged as a standout performer for Oman, finishing as the team's top-scorer with 88 runs, including a vital half-century. Pacer Bilal Khan, who will spearhead Oman’s attack at the World Cup, claimed the maximum of four wickets in the series for 79 runs.

Brief scores: First T20I: PNG 136/6 (Assad Vala 40, Hiri Hiri 34, Charles Amini 24; Zeeshan Maqsood 2-29, Bilal Khan 2-31, Mehran Khan 1-26) lost to Oman 137/7 in 19.3 overs (Kashyap Prajapati 57*, Zeeshan Maqsood 42, Pratik Athavale 14; Chad Soper 3-26, John Kariko 2-18, Jack Gardner 1-26). MOM: Zeeshan Maqsood.

Second T20I: Oman 145/7 (Khalid Kail 55, Aqib Ilyas 28, Ayaan Khan 22*; Alei Nao 3-15, Assad Vala 2-24, Nosaina Pokana 2-32) lost to PNG 148/2 in 19.2 overs (Sese Bau 65*, Assad Vala 51, Tony Ura 17; Bilal Khan 1-19, Zeeshan Maqsood 1-25). MOM: Sese Bau.

Third T20I: PNG 127/6 (Hiri Hiri 53*, Assad Vala 22, Chad Soper 17*; Aqib Ilyas 2-20, Mehran Khan 1-19, Kaleemullah 1-27) lost to Oman 128/6 in 19 overs (Khalid Kail 32*, Mehran Khan 19, Aqib Ilyas 18; Kabua Morea 2-26, Sese Bau 1-9, Alei Nao 1-25). MOM: Khalid Kail.