Prolific scorer Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a sparkling 82 to power Mumbai to a comfortable four-wicket victory against Oman in the first of four-match one-day series here at Oman Cricket Academy Ground One in Al Amerat on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 197 to win, Mumbai got off to a brilliant start as openers Jaiswal and Aakarshit Gomel put on a 60-run opening partnership in less than nine overs. Jaiswal continued to bat like he had been throughout the tour of Oman for a superb 82 off 79 that included 5 big hits over the ropes. Hardik Tamore’s brilliant 51 not out kept Oman at bay before the tourists sealed the win in the 44th over, scoring 199 for 6.
Oman had another ordinary day with the bat as nobody except opener Khawar Ali and number four Kail Khalid batted really well. Seven of Oman players failed to reach a double figure score. Well-placed at 116 for 2 half way through the innings, Oman lost the advantage due to some inept batting and were dismissed for 196 in the 48th over.
Oman coach Duleep Mendis said he wanted his side to be beaten so that they could find the mistakes and correct them before the big tournaments in the next few weeks.
“We have WCL Division 2 starting in September followed by the ICC T20 World Cup in October. It may sound strange but I really want my side beaten so that they know they have a job to do and do it well over a period of time. There is no time to relax and the team must hit the top form before the big assignments,” added Mendis.
Khawar, leading the team in the absence of regular captain Zeeshan Maqsood who had been rested along with a host of other main players, made a fluent 52 off while Kail left a strong impression in his first outing for Oman with a solid 76 off 84.
Mumbai captain Shams Mulani was once again the pick of bowlers, claiming 3 for 45 whereas Aman Khan and Shashank Attarde bagged two wickets each.
The two teams will lock horns for the second game on Monday. Oman, who won the T20 series 2-1, are expected to field a full-strength squad to give their boys maximum match practice before the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 2 starts in September.
Brief scores: Oman 196 all out in 47.1 overs (Kail Khalid 76 – 4×4, 1×6, Khawar Ali 52 – 4×4, 2×6. Shams Mulani 3-45, Aman Khan 2-26, Shashank Attarde 2-27) lost to Mumbai 199 for 6 in 43.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 82 – 5×4, 5×6, Hardik Tamore 51 not out – 4×4. Shakeel Ahmad 2-46, Rafiullah 2-33) by 4 wickets.
