Oman spring a surprise in World T20

A team made up of mostly expats from India and Pakistan, Oman chased down Ireland’s total of 154-5 with two balls to spare after needing 14 runs off the last over. It all went wrong for paceman Max Sorensen who served up two no-balls for bowling high full tosses as Ireland’s hopes of making it to the main draw from Group A faded. 

Openers Zeeshan Maqsood and Khawar Ali gave Oman a blistering stand of 69 in 8.3 overs before both inside-edged medium pacer Kevin O’Brien on to their stumps. Ireland underlined their superior experience of playing in ICC tournaments by reducing their opponents to 90-5 in 14 overs. 

Although the sparse crowd at the picturesque stadium, with the Himalayas in the background, could not have envisaged what would follow, Aamer Ali and Jatiner Singh brought Oman back into the contest with a 47-run stand for the sixth wicket. Ali hit 32 off 17 balls and was out in the final over with his team still needing four runs from two balls. 

But it did not prove too damaging as Sorensen, unable to grip the greasy ball due to heavy dew on the ground, bowled a high full toss that went through the legs of the wicketkeeper for four, sparking wild celebrations among the Oman players.