Captain cool: Jatinder guides Oman to dramatic Super Over win over USA
MUSCAT: Captain Jatinder Singh produced a masterclass under pressure, scoring a sublime century and later finishing the job in the Super Over as Oman edged hosts USA in a dramatic ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 encounter at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, USA, on Wednesday.
It was Oman's second successive win in the ongoing League 2 tri-series, which also features Canada.
Jatinder's knock of 100 from 101 balls laid the foundation for Oman's total of 266. But it was his nerveless striking in the one-over shootout — where he smashed 13 off just 4 balls — that sealed a thrilling win for Duleep Mendis' side, helping Oman leapfrog Scotland into third place on the eight-team table.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, USA might have hoped to restrict Oman to a modest total. But the visitors found a pillar of resistance in Jatinder, who batted with patience and purpose despite early wickets tumbling around him. Oman were precariously placed at 55 for 4 in the 12th over when Jatinder and the experienced Mohammad Nadeem (40 off 89) came together.
Their 103-run fifth-wicket stand revived the innings. Jatinder reached his 50 from 62 balls and accelerated smartly to bring up a brilliant century off exactly 100 deliveries, striking 9 fours and 2 sixes. The captain was eventually dismissed for 100 in the 41st over, caught by Saiteja Mukkamalla off Saurabh Netravalkar.
Late fireworks from Vinayak Shukla (44 off 42, 3x4, 2x6) and a whirlwind 42 off just 23 balls by Hassnain Shah, which included four maximums, powered Oman past the 260 mark. Despite five wickets from Milind Kumar (5/66), Oman's total of 266 from 49.4 overs looked competitive.
USA fight back to tie
USA's chase began with early jitters as leg-spinner Samay Shrivastava and pacer Hassnain Shah removed openers Andries Gous and skipper Monank Patel inside the first 26 overs. Smit Patel (44) and Saiteja Mukkamalla (46) tried to rebuild, but regular strikes by Oman kept the game tight.
The turning point came when Milind Kumar joined the party. His counterattacking 68 from 65 balls, supported by a cameo from Harmeet Singh (25 off 14), brought USA right back into the match.
The hosts needed 18 to win off the final over with two wickets in hand. Jasdeep Singh and Nosthush Kenjige were at the crease with Shrivastava to defend 17. Kenjige stole a leg bye off the first ball to bring the attacking Jasdeep on strike. A couple was followed by a no-ball (full toss) from Shrivastava that was pulled to the boundary to leak five runs. However, off the free hit, Kenjige was run out to swing the pendulum in Oman's favour.
USA needed 10 to win off the last three balls. Jasdeep took a couple and then smashed a six to bring the equation down to two to win off the last ball. Shrivastava held his nerve to concede only a single, tying the scores and forcing a Super Over.
Super Over drama: Jatinder delivers again
USA batted first in the Super Over and managed 13 without loss, thanks to a big six from Andries Gous off Hassnain Shah. But that was not enough against a man in form and full confidence.
Jatinder, fittingly, returned to finish what he started. Facing Harmeet Singh, he clubbed a six and a four in the first three balls before Hassnain sealed the win with a single, as Oman chased down 14 in just five deliveries to spark celebrations.
League standings impact
The result saw Oman improve to 22 points from 18 matches, overtaking Scotland and staying firmly in the qualification hunt. USA remain on 24 points (18 matches), holding second place but will rue a missed opportunity to close the gap on leaders Netherlands, who have 26 from 20 games.
Speaking after the match, Oman head coach Duleep Mendis praised his side's composure. 'It was a great game of cricket. The boys showed tremendous heart, especially Jatinder, who was outstanding in both innings.'
Jatinder was named Player of the Match — a deserved accolade for a performance that blended grit, flair, and leadership.
Oman now turn their focus to Canada, their next opponents in Lauderhill on Friday. With momentum on their side, and their skipper in good touch, they will be looking to continue their climb up the League 2 table.
Brief scores: Oman 266 all out in 49.4 overs (Jatinder Singh 100, Hassnain Shah 42, Vinayak Shukla 44; Milind Kumar 5/66, Saurabh Netravalkar 3/49) tied with USA 266/9 in 50 overs (Milind Kumar 68, Saiteja Mukkamalla 46, Smit Patel 44; Samay Shrivastava 3/68, Aamir Kaleem 2/31, Shakeel Ahmed 2/38)
Super Over: USA: 13/0 (Andries Gous 11*, Harmeet Singh 2*) lost to Oman: 14/0 (Jatinder 13*, Hassnain 1*) — Oman won in 0.5 overs.
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