Gulf Insider
Muscat: Oman’s Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier campaign ended with a whimper on Monday as Malaysia handed them an eight-wicket defeat in the third-place playoff in Singapore, leaving the homegrown side to settle for fourth place after a creditable run to the semi-finals. The defeat was Oman’s third successive loss of the tournament, following a group-stage setback against Hong Kong and a semi-final defeat to Nepal. Yet the young homegrown squad can reflect on a creditable campaign, having achieved its primary objective of qualifying for the Asian Games by reaching the tournament’s last four. With every member of the squad except captain Sufyan Mehmood making their debut in the competition, Oman exceeded expectations by securing a top-four finish and valuable international exposure against some of Asia’s emerging cricket nations. After winning the toss, Malaysia elected to field and quickly justified the decision, although Oman made a steady start through openers Mohammed Al Balushi and Shuaib Al Balushi. The pair added 43 runs for the opening wicket, providing Oman with a solid platform. Mohammed Al Balushi top-scored with 25 off 37 deliveries that included four boundaries, while Shuaib struck 19 from 21 balls, including two sixes and a boundary. However, once […]
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