Al Amerat: Star Oman opener Jatinder Singh cracked a 42-ball 73 runs with seven boundaries and four sixes to return to form to fashion a comprehensive 10-wicket win against PNG in the World Cup T20 2021 opener in Muscat on Sunday.
The right-handed batter enjoyed a perfect company from in-form fellow opener Aqib Ilyas (50 runs from 43 balls – 5×4, 1×6).
Earlier, Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood destroyed the PNG innings with his four-wicket haul for 20 runs.
PNG middle order had now clue on handling Zeeshan’s slow left-arm spin and they collapsed to 129 for 9 in 20 overs after 102 for 2 at one stage.
Man of the match Zeeshan said the form of the openers is good for Oman in the prospect of qualifying to the next round.
“It is heartening to see Jatinder storming back to his real class. Aqib is also continuing his good performances. We are happy with the crucial opening win in the World Cup.”
On his own performance with the ball, Zeeshan said after his impressive first over, he was told by the teammates to continue with the spell.
“I got advice from the teammates and the dressing room to continue my slow bowling, which helped in restricting PNG to a low target.”
AMINI RUN-OUT
Zeeshan and the PNG captain both agreed that the run-out of Charles Amini by Mohammed Nadeem was the turning point of the match.
On a query on the behavior of the Al Amerat pitch, Zeeshan agreed that it will be difficult for the new-coming batters after the wickets of well-set batsmen.
“The batter has to spend some time in the middle before playing big shots. It will be difficult for the new batters who have little time to adjust to the pitch.”
PNG skipper Asad Vala said they lost the momentum after the run-out of Amini.
“We lost the wicket at a crucial time and our partnership was bringing us back to the game. Then I lost my wicket and our middle order couldn’t cope with the pressure.”
Vala promised a better display in the upcoming matches by debutants PNG against Scotland and Bangladesh.
Oman also boosted their run-rate to 3.135 with the win inside 14 overs.
This was the third-highest chase without a wicket lost in all men’s T20Is, and also the biggest partnership for Oman for any wicket in men’s T20Is.
Oman next face Bangladesh on Tuesday.
