Wednesday 08 / October / 2025
Muscat: Hosts Oman launched its campaign for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia/East Asia Pacific Qualifier in emphatic fashion, brushing aside Samoa by five wickets at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds in Al Amerat on Wednesday. Duleep Mendis’ men delivered a clinical all-round performance under stand-in captain Aamir Kaleem, restricting Samoa for just 92/9 before cruising to victory with three overs to spare, reaching 96/5.
Put into the field after winning the toss, Oman’s bowlers wasted no time asserting control. Shah Faisal produced a devastating opening burst, removing both openers – Sean Solia and Darius Visser - inside the first three overs to leave Samoa reeling at 7 for 2. His tight spell of 2 for 12 from four overs, including a maiden, earned him the Player of the Match award.
The rest of the attack maintained relentless pressure. Mohammad Nadeem (2 for 15) and Aamir Kaleem (2 for 18) kept the wickets tumbling, while Nadeem Khan (1 for 11) and Hassnain Shah (1 for 12) chipped in effectively. Samoa’s innings never found momentum, collapsing to 22 for 5 inside eight overs.
Former New Zealand international Ross Taylor, who has come out of retirement to play for the nation of his mother's birth, top-scored with 22 off 28 balls, offered brief resistance, while Fereti Suluoto added a spirited 22 from 16 balls late including the game’s only six. But their efforts could only lift Samoa to a modest 92 for 9 in their 20 overs — a total that always looked well short.
Oman’s chase was measured and composed. Opener Ashish Odedara (15 off 14) and Hammad Mirza (18 off 28) set the tone after Aamir Kaleem departed early before Mohammad Nadeem, capping an excellent all-round outing, guided the side home with an unbeaten 21 off 22 balls. Supported by Jiten Ramanandi (8 not out), Oman reached 96 for 5 in 17 overs, sealing a comfortable win.
The result gives Oman two valuable points and a healthy net run rate boost at the start of their qualifying campaign. With the bowlers firing and the batting lineup showing depth, the home side looks well placed to push strongly for a spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Oman now take on PNG on Friday to conclude their group engagement before the start of Super Six stage on Sunday.
Brief score: Samoa 92/9 (Ross Taylor 22, Fereti Suluoto 22; Shah Faisal 2/12, Mohammad Nadeem 2/15, Aamir Kaleem 2/18) lost to Oman 96/5 in 17 overs (Mohammad Nadeem 21*, Hammad Mirza 18, Ashish Odedara 15; Saumani Tiai 2/13, Solomon Nash 1/9).
