Oman lose battle but win qualification war as Namibia miss out

Oman suffered a 42-run defeat against the United Arab Emirates but still had plenty to celebrate after doing just enough to edge out Namibia on net run rate and secure the final place in the World Cup Qualifiers.

It was a strange afternoon of mixed emotions for the Oman camp, who were comprehensively outplayed by their Gulf rivals but ultimately emerged as the real winners in the qualification battle.

Chasing a modest 227 for victory, Oman struggled throughout before finishing on 184 for nine, with Mujibur Ali's battling half-century helping protect their crucial net run rate advantage. UAE's victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance after their batters had been restricted to 226 for eight from their 50 overs.

Muhammad Waseem gave them a positive start with 29 from 28 balls, but two wickets from Shakeel Ahmed left the scoreboard reading 34 for two. Adeeb Usmani and skipper Rahul Chopra repaired the damage with a third-wicket partnership of 66, both making 47.

However, Oman continued to chip away, reducing their opponents to 162 for six after 40 overs. Basil Hameed provided the late impetus, striking three fours and two sixes in a valuable 43 from 45 deliveries, while Aayan Afzal Khan chipped in with 18. Shakeel was the pick of the attack with three for 42, while Hassnain Shah and Samay Shrivastava claimed two wickets apiece.

Oman's reply quickly unravelled as Muhammad Rohid removed Aamir Kaleem (12) and Karan Sonavale (5), while Khuzaima Tanveer accounted for Jatinder Singh (3). At 28 for three, the chase was already in serious trouble, and matters deteriorated further as Oman slumped to 68 for five.

Mujibur Ali provided the resistance desperately needed in the qualification equation, striking five fours and a six in a patient 65 from 84 balls. He shared a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 64 with Narayan Saishiv (20), ensuring Oman avoided the heavy defeat that could have ended their qualification hopes.

Awais Ali Shah was particularly impressive, conceding just 27 runs from ten overs while taking two wickets. Rohid, Tanveer and Aayan also claimed two apiece as UAE completed a thoroughly deserved victory.

However, Oman's 184 proved enough to preserve their net run rate advantage over Namibia and secure qualification, leaving the Eagles to rue a painfully narrow miss.