Khawar Ali (5-15) and Aqib Ilyas (56 in 77 balls) starred with ball and bat respectively to help Oman register a three-wicket win against Papua New Guinea in Match 5 of the seventh CWC League 2 tri-series at Al Amerat in Oman.
Khawar’s five-for was ably supported by Zeeshan Maqsood (2-39) as they bundled out PNG for 150 in 43.2 overs after they opted to bat. At No. 3, Assad Vala scored 78-ball 62, but received little support from the others. Barring him and Lega Siaka (22), no batter could not even reach 20 for PNG.
Coming to the chase, Oman were reduced to 47/3, courtesy Kabua Morea’s (5-28) double strike and Chad Soper (1-17). Ilyas and Mohammad Nadeem held the fort, adding 73 for the fourth wicket before Sese Bau trapped Nadeem leg before in the 28th over.
Oman were comfortably placed when Nadeem and Ilyas were batting, but slipped from 120/3 to 146/7 in quick time. PNG had very little to defend, and Zeeshan (17*) took Oman past the finishing line in the 36th over. With that, PNG have now extended their losing streak to 16 in ODI cricket.
Brief Scores: Papua New Guinea 150 in 43.2 overs (Assad Vala 62; Khawar Ali 5-15) lost to Oman 151/7 in 35.5 overs (Aqib Ilyas 56; Kabua Morea 5-28) by 3 wickets with 85 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Khawar Ali.