Oman and USA gain One-Day International status

Both the teams are featuring in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.

Published - 24 Apr 2019, 20:59 IST | Updated - 24 Apr 2019, 20:59 IST

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Oman became a part of history when the Canada team beat Papua New Guinea in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. It was after Oman’s thumping win over Hong Kong on Wednesday that they inched closer to earning the status. Not just Oman, the United States of American (USA) team also got the distinction of becoming a One-Day International team. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that both Oman and USA now have ODI status.

That win extended Oman’s winning run to three games as they continue to be the only unbeaten team in the ongoing ICC World Cricket League Division 2 so far. The top four teams from the competition will earn ODI status. Oman proved their credentials for a promotion with an impressive seven-wicket win over Hong Kong who played the Asia Cup last year.

Coming to the game between Oman and Hong Kong, the former won the toss and decided to field first. Bilal Khan, who picked up 4 for 30, dismissed Hong Kong skipper Anshuman Rath early to set the tone. Before his failure against Oman, Rath had scored 114 and 85 in the previous two games. Hong Kong, nonetheless, soon found themselves 4 down for just 47. Babar Hayat then scored a patient fifty and steadied the ship with a 62-run stand with Tanwir Afzal for the fifth wicket. But Hong Kong could not make the most of it and were all out for 176.

In reply, Oman started strongly with their openers Jatinder Singh and Khawar Ali adding 79 runs for the first wicket. The partnership ended when Ali was run out for 28 by Ehsan Nawaz. Aqib Ilyas (27) and Mohammad Nadeem (31 not out) took the innings forward before the former departed. Oman skipper Zeeshan Maqsood (14 not out) then hit the winning runs in the 45th over.

‘Calm and happy’

Delighted with the win, skipper Maqsood said that the team is happy but quickly pointed out that his mission isn’t complete yet.

“We are calm and happy, we need to continue to do the same thing. Looking forward to 2 more games, as we still haven’t completed what we want to. As a captain I still think I can improve, we came to play cricket and give our best, we look forward to next match and securing one of the top four spots,” said a calm and composed Maqsood.

Historic scenes in Windhoek as #TeamUSA🇺🇸 seal One Day International status following a comprehensive 84 run win over Hong Kong at #WCL2!!!! pic.twitter.com/Ujv4QUv7zP
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) April 24, 2019

Tonight's the night everyone's been waiting for…@usacricket 🇺🇸claim ODI status under the leadership of Captain America! pic.twitter.com/5nxXWo3npO
— ICC (@ICC) April 24, 2019