Mumbai beat Oman to set up series decider on Friday

Muscat: Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s superb 75 and captain Shams Mulani’s brilliant 3 for 12 powered Mumbai to an exciting 19-run victory against Oman in the second T20 game at OCA Ground One in Al Amerat.

The three-match series is now tied at 1-1, setting up an all-important game on Friday.

Chasing 163 to win, Oman was happily placed at 120 for 3 in the 14th over before a dramatic middle order collapse brought Mumbai back into the game. Oman lost the next six wickets for only 17 runs due to magnificent Mumbai bowling and catching as well as poor shot selection by Oman batsmen. Mulani’s four-over spell fetched him three wickets including that of Naseem Khushi for only 1 run.

Off-spinner Sujit Naik did the early damage removing openers Shoaib Khan and Jatinder Singh quickly after the duo had put on a 63-run partnership. Jatinder looked in great touch, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes in his 25-ball 51. Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood scored a quickfire 29 off 16 including 4 big sixes before his departure started the slide that left Oman short of the target by 19 runs.

Mumbai captain said his team kept the intensity high which worked in his team’s favour.

“Oman had got off to a good start but I told my boys to keep the intensity high and keep fighting. We did that and the game turned in our favour,” said an elated Mulani.

Man of the match Jaiswal was happy to see his hard work in the nets paying off in the middle.

“I do a lot of hard work when I am batting in the nets and today was one of those days when everything clicks for you. I felt in good tough while I was batting and I am happy to have contributed to my team’s win,” stated an elated Jaiswal.

Aman khan (30 not out) and Arman Jaffer (20) were the other notable scorers for Mumbai which scored 162 for 6 in 20 overs. Aqib Ilyas and Kaleemullah picked up two wickets each.

Brief scores: Mumbai 162 for 6 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 75 – 8×4, 2×6, Aman Khan 31 not out – 2×4, 2×6, Arman Jaffer 20 – 1×6. Aqib Ilyas 2-32, Kaleemullah 2-45, Mehran Khan 1-11) beat Oman 144 for 9 in 20 overs(Jatinder Singh 51 – 5×4, 3×6, Zeeshan Maqsood 29 – 4×6. Shams Mulani 3-12, Sujit Naik 2-10, Aman Khan 1-09) by 19 runs.