Oman set up semi-final clash with Nepal despite defeat to rampant Hong Kong

MUSCAT: Oman’s young, all-homegrown side suffered a harsh reality check at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Friday, going down by 154 runs to a rampant Hong Kong in their final Group B fixture of the Men’s T20I Asian Games Qualifier.

However, the defeat did little to diminish Oman’s achievement of securing a historic Asian Games berth. Having already booked their place in the semi-finals with consecutive wins over Singapore and Bahrain, the inexperienced squad will now turn its attention to a high-stakes last-four clash against tournament favourites Nepal on June 7.

Captain Sufyan Mehmood’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved costly as Hong Kong produced one of the most destructive batting displays of the tournament, piling up a staggering 287 for 1 in their 20 overs.

Opener Anshuman Rath led the assault with a sensational unbeaten 140 off just 56 deliveries, striking 13 fours and 10 sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 250. He shared a dominant 192-run opening stand with skipper Nizakat Khan, who blasted 76 from 45 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

Oman finally made a breakthrough in the 15th over when Naveed Al Balushi dismissed Nizakat, but the respite was brief. Babar Hayat then launched a breathtaking late onslaught, hammering an unbeaten 63 from only 19 balls, with seven fours and five sixes, to propel Hong Kong to their imposing total.

Faced with a daunting target of 288, Oman never managed to gain a foothold in the chase. The batting line-up struggled to keep pace with the required rate and was dismantled by Hong Kong’s disciplined attack.

Off-spinner Ehsan Khan was the chief destroyer, claiming 4 for 12 from his four overs to rip through the middle order.

There were, nevertheless, some encouraging contributions from Oman’s batters. Zubair Al Balushi top-scored with a brisk 40 off 23 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while wicketkeeper Muzaffar Shiralkar struck 36 from 26 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six. Oman eventually closed on 133 for 8 from their 20 overs.

The match also marked the T20I debuts of Munthir Al Balushi and Faris Al Balushi.

Oman finished with four points to trail group toppers Hong Kong, who next face Malaysia in the semi-finals.

Attention now shifts to the knockout stage, where Oman will face a formidable Nepal side that topped Group A with an unbeaten record. Coach Ajay Lalcheta, who took charge shortly before the tournament after regular coach Sultan Ahmed couldn’t travel due to logistics issues, will hope his young squad quickly puts Friday’s setback behind them and approaches the semi-final with the fearless cricket that has already earned them a place at the Asian Games.

Brief scores: Hong Kong 287/1 in 20 overs (Anshuman Rath 140*, Nizakat Khan 76, Babar Hayat 63*; Naveed Al Balushi 1/49) beat Oman 133/8 in 20 overs (Zubair Al Balushi 40, Muzaffar Shiralkar 36; Ehsan Khan 4/12, Nasrulla Rana 2/20) by 154 runs.