Maqsood, Khushi star in Oman’s thrilling win over Mumbai

Muscat: Oman rode on Muhammed Naseem Khushi’s hurricane 39 off just 12 balls to beat a fighting Mumbai by two wickets in the first of three-match T20 series at Oman Cricket Ground One in Amerat on Tuesday.

Khushi slammed five huge sixes and a four in no time to take the game away from Mumbai who looked to be in pole position to win the game when Oman was in trouble at 7 for 101 in the 17th over.

Oman sealed the win in the 19th over when Khushi whacked Mohit Avasthi for a six over mid wicket. Captain Zeeshan Maqsood laid the foundation for Khushi’s late onslaught with a typically solid 50 off 39 that included 4 sixes.

Oman captain said his team had worked hard and was enjoying playing in home conditions after a long time.

“We have had a long summer and boys are in great shape after months of training. Mumbai bowled exceptionally well to put us under pressure but I knew we had the players to take the fight deep and Khushi finished the game in great style,” said Maqsood.

“I must thank the team management for the wonderful support given to us all the way and we hope to do well in pursuit of our main goals this season,” he added.

Oman’s new ball bowlers Muhammed Nadeem and Kaleemullah put Mumbai under pressure by taking early wickets. Maqsood’s accurate left-arm spin fetched him two wickets as Mumbai was restricted to 131 for 9 in 20 overs.

Oman’s start was equally precarious as it was reduced to 88 for 5 in 13 overs. However, Maqsood and Khushi kept their calm amid the ruins, cutting lose occasional to keep the run rate under check. Khushi’s late onslaught then powered Oman to a nail-biting win over Mumbai, which is packed with first class cricketers including those who have represented India in various formats.

The two teams will lock horns again in the second T20 on Thursday and the third and last on Friday before playing a four-match one-day series on August 29, 31, September 2 and 3.

Brief scores: Mumbai 131 for 9 in 20 overs (Aakarshit Gomel 33 – 4×4, Hardik Tamore 23- 2×6, Shams Mulani 19 – 1×6. Muhammed Nadeem 3-23, Zeeshan Maqsood 2-17, Kaleemullah 2-21) lost to Oman (Zeeshan Maqsood 50 – 2×4, 4×6, Naseem Khushi 39 not out – 1×4, 5×6. Shashank Attarde 2-23, Mohit Acasthi 2-32, Shams Mulani 2-34) by 2 wickets.