Oman defeat Canada in rain-affected match for hat-trick of victories in ICC League 2
MUSCAT: Oman continued their impressive form in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 with their third consecutive win, defeating Canada by 18 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, USA, on Friday.
The result not only reinforced Oman's growing momentum but also helped them solidify third place in the standings with 24 points from 19 matches — level with the second-placed USA but trailing on net run rate, while the Americans still have a game in hand.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Canada struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Omani bowling attack and were bowled out for 212 in 48.4 overs. Captain Navneet Dhaliwal anchored the innings with a patient 73 off 120 balls, while Mansab Gill chipped in with a solid 59 from 65 deliveries.
Oman's bowlers shared the spoils, with Shakeel Ahmed impressing with 2 for 21 in his nine overs. Mujibur Ali also picked up two key wickets, while Mohammad Nadeem struck twice in the death overs to prevent any late surge. Canada lost their last three wickets for just one run, slipping from 211 to 212 all out.
In response, Oman looked composed in the chase, reaching 108 for 3 in 23.1 overs before heavy rain forced a premature end to the game. At that stage, they were ahead of the DLS par score (91), securing an 18-run victory.
Top scorer Hammad Mirza struck 31 off 33 balls, including five boundaries, while skipper and previous match centurion Jatinder Singh added 27. Mujibur Ali remained unbeaten on 23, playing a steady hand in the middle. Debutant Aryan Bisht was unbeaten on 11 when match was called off.
This marked Oman's second win over Canada this week, having already beaten them by 15 runs on Monday. Mendis' men will play hosts USA in the concluding match of the tri-series on May 27.
League standings heat up
The result leaves Oman on 24 points (W11, L6, NR2) from 19 matches — tied on points with the second-placed USA, who have a superior net run rate (+0.731) and a game in hand. Oman have a NRR of +0.065. The Netherlands lead the table with 26 points from 20 games. Scotland are fourth with 20 points (W9, L5, NR2) from 16 matches while Canada remain fifth with 20 points (W9, L8, NR2) from 19 outings.
The top four teams in League 2 will qualify directly for the 10-team ICC World Cup Qualifier, with the remaining four having to compete in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier playoff.
Brief scores: Canada 212 all out in 48.4 overs (Navneet Dhaliwal 73, Mansab Gill 59; Shakeel Ahmed 2/21, Mujibur Ali 2/35, Mohammad Nadeem 2/9 lost to Oman 108/3 in 23.1 overs -D/L target: 91 runs from 23.1 overs (Hammad Mirza 31, Jatinder Singh 27, Mujibur Ali 23*). Oman won by 18 runs (DLS method)
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