So that is from this game! PNG, Ireland, Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland and Oman will join Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the first group stage of the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup. More to come though from this tournament as the semi-finals and the final are still pending along with the 3rd-place and 5th-place playoffs. On Friday, Ireland will face Netherlands in SF1 at 1410 local (1010 GMT) while later at 1930 local (1530 GMT) PNG will lock horns against Namibia in SF2. Do join us for all the action. Cheers!
Oman skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood, says he was worried when they were 42 for 6. He feels they gave their wickets away under pressure but Jatinder Singh and Naseem Khushi were excellent and their partnership was the turning point. Mentions they have one of the best pace attacks and Bilal was exceptional. States everybody bowled well and supported each other. Ends by saying all the hard work of the coaches, families and the players has paid off.
Hong Kong skipper, Aizaz Khan, says it is disappointing they missed out. Admits that they lost the plot in the last five overs with the ball and in the Powerplay with the bat. Further adds they started off well with the ball and in the field but then leaked too many runs at the death.
Man of the Match, Jatinder Singh says he's feeling amazing. Further adds all the hard work by them has paid off. Appreciates the way Bilal Khan bowled and says he was unplayable. Ends by telling that he likes to dig in so that was his aim to stay out there till the end and he thought they could defend 130.
Hong Kong encountered King Kong in Bilal Khan! The left-arm pacer bowled a dream first spell. He along with Fayyaz Butt ran amok and removed the cream of Hong Kong's batting inside the Powerplay. They were 18/5 at one stage and needed someone to stand up and bail them out. Scott McKechnie took the responsibility on himself and formed an alliance with Haroon Arshad. They put together a 50-run stand and Hong Kong were in with a chance. The asking rate was never an issue for them but when McKechnie was trapped in front of the stumps in the 17th over, the writing was on the wall. They carried on to bat for 20 overs but never looked like overhauling the target.
Talk about momentum! Oman were down and out while batting. But Jatinder Singh held one end to stroke a fabulous knock. He combined with Aamir Kaleem to steady the sinking ship and then came the partnership that provided the impetus and momentum. The pair of Jatinder and Naseem Khushi raised a quickfire half century stand to provide respectability to Oman's total. They carried that momentum into their bowling innings and rest, as they say, is history.
Oman have pulled off a heist! Their coach is running in jubilation. The whole Oman squad is charging on the ground. They are in a huddle. Emotions pouring. What a win! Oman are flying to Australia! They are joyous! They are over the moon! What a performance from them! Reduced to 42/6 while batting, who would have thought that they will recover so well to trounce Hong Kong.
19.6
.
Another dot to end! Now, the Oman coach can run onto the ground and he does so. Excellent scenes out there. Butt bangs it short and outside off, Ghazanfar swings and misses again. OMAN WIN BY 12 RUNS!
19.5
.
A dot! The Oman coach gets extremely excited, he comes down the steps and is now all ready to rush onto the field. He knows now Oman is over the line and the last ball is just a formality. A short ball outside off, Ghazanfar swings but misses.
19.4
1lb
Just a single from the ball they needed more than a run! 13 needed now from 2 so unless there is an extra, Oman can't lose. Shorter and on off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
19.3
1
Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
19.2
1lb
Very full and on the pads, Christie looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side for one. Singles won't do it for Hong Kong. The umpire signals it as a leg bye so there was no inside edge.
19.1
2
A couple to begin the last! Short and outside off, Christie cuts it over point and takes two. 16 needed now off 5 balls.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0W
0
1
Bilal Khan 23/4(4)
18.6
1
Bilal fails to get his fifer! Still, it is a match-winning spell by the pacer. Excellent stuff by him. His last ball is a full toss which is mistimed down to long on for one. 18 needed from the last over.
18.5
1
Ghazanfar keeps it out again! Another very full ball on the leg pole. MG swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one. One ball left for Bilal to pick his 5th.
18.4
4
FOUR! Almost got it! This is full and on the pads, MG swings but it goes off the inside edge and down to the fine leg fence.
Mohammad Ghazanfar is the last batsman. Will he be Bilal's fifth victim?
18.3
W
OUT! BOWLED 'EM! The leg stump goes for a walk! Another yorker. Rana skips down the track and swings blindly. The ball goes under the bat and the leg stump is uprooted. Fourth one for Bilal. Hong Kong are 9 down. Bilal Khan has three more balls to take his fifth.
18.2
.
The last ball was full, this is short and outside off. Rana looks to cut but misses. Mixing it up.
18.1
1
Very full, almost a yorker on the pads. Christie looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.
Bilal Khan is back on! He was lethal in his first spell and will be eyeing his fifer.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
2
0
Fayyaz Butt 13/2(3)
17.6
.
A dot to end! 25 needed in 12! Short and outside off, Rana swings but misses.
17.5
2
Well fielded! This is shorter and outside off, Rana slaps it towards cover where Ali dives to his left and half stops it. Two taken.
17.4
1
Another chance of a run out! The bowler drops the ball this time. On off, it is guided to point. Christie takes off. The fielder there throws it to the bowler who dislodges the bails off with his hands.
17.3
.
Outside off, the batter looks to put bat on ball but misses. Dot.
17.2
2
Overthrow! Fuller and on off, this is driven towards cover. Ali there picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Had he hit, Christie was a goner. The fielder backing up fumbles and another run is taken.
Well, well, the bowler just tried to Mankad the non-striker. He though missed the stumps.
17.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Christie looks to upper cut it but misses.
Fayyaz Butt is back! 2-0-8-2, so far from him.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
0W
1lb
Mohammad Nadeem 14/1(2)
16.6
1
This is angled into the pads, Christie works it through square leg. A top, top over by Nadeem. 30 now needed in 18.
16.5
.
Shorter and outside off, Christie looks to put bat on ball but misses.
16.4
.
On off, this is defended.
16.3
2
Full and outside off, the batter opens the face and guides it through point for two.
Kyle Christie is the number 10 batsman.
16.2
W
OUT! LBW! Plumb in front. McKechnie is out of here and that is probably the final nail in the coffin. SM shuffles right across and Nadeem bowls it very full and on middle. Scott looks to whip it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. End of a good knock from him. He fought a lone battle but needed to continue. 33 needed in 22.
16.1
1lb
A huge shout but not given! Rana shuffles right across his stumps and looks to play the paddle scoop. Misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal as the ball lobs towards square leg. Not given. The batters take a leg bye. Impact was outside off.
Mohammad Nadeem is back on! Just a single over from him so far and it went for 11 runs.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1lb
4
Khawar Ali 23/2(4)
15.6
1
Plays the conventional sweep this time through square leg and takes a single. 8 from the over. 34 needed in 24.
15.5
.
Looks to play the reverse sweep to this ball outside off. Misses.
15.4
1
Shorter and on the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
15.3
1
Rana moves right across and plays the sweep shot towards backward square leg for one.
15.2
1lb
Comes down the track again but the length is shorter. McKechnie looks to keep it out but it hits the pad and rolls towards the off side for one.
15.1
4
In the air... dropped! FOUR! A tremendous effort though one can say. McKechnie comes down the track and looks to go downtown. Fails to get the timing right. Long on runs to his left, dives with one hand stretched out. It hits the fingertips and then rolls towards the fence. A boundary to start the over, ideal one.
In over# 1
1
4
2
1
1
1
Zeeshan Maqsood 22/0(4)
14.6
1
Shortish and on off, Scott waits for it on the back foot and gently drops it towards short third man for one. 10 from the over, 42 needed off 30 balls.
14.5
4
FOUR! Hong Kong are down but not out yet. Too full in length around middle, McKechnie kneels down and sweeps it sweetly fine down the leg side for a boundary.
14.4
2
In the air... SAFE! Flighted delivery, landing full around off, McKechnie jumps down the track to go downtown but fails to middle his shot properly. It balloons in the air over extra cover and the long off fielder charges from the deep. It falls just in front of him and the batsmen cross for a couple of runs.
14.3
1
Once again an easy single at short third man. Tap and run from Rana. The fielder there charges to the ball but fumbles.
14.2
1
Advances down the track and gently tickles it through mid-wicket for a run.
14.1
1
Full and on off, it's reverse swept to short third man for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood is back on to bowl his last over. Has been miserly so far, just 12 runs conceded.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0W
1
1
Khawar Ali 16/2(3)
13.6
1
Short and outside off, Rana rocks back and cuts it through point for a run. Top over from Khawar Ali, 3 runs and a wicket from it. 52 needed off the remaining 6 overs. Three wickets left.
13.5
.
Tossed up leg spinner, wide outside off, Rana makes a leave.
13.4
.
A flatter leg spinner on middle, Rana goes back and tries to hit on the leg side. He gets it off the inner half and the ball strikes him on the pads. Got to get forward.
Nasrulla Rana is the new batsman.
13.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! The wrong shot and that brings about the downfall. Misreads the length and the line. This is the straighter one on middle, it skids through. Ehsan Khan looks to play the late cut but there is not enough room for that shot. He misses and the off pole is hit. 7 down and now the task looks very tough for Hong Kong.
13.2
1
Sees the flight, comes down the track and eases it to long on for one.
13.1
1
Flatter and outside off, this is guided towards short third man. The batters go for a run, the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but the ball hits the batter. There is an appeal for obstructing the field but nothing from the umpire. The replays show that Khan never changed his track.
In over# 1
1
0
6
0
1
1
Aamir Kaleem 9/0(1)
12.6
1
Flatter and shorter on off, this turns away. Khan reaches out for it. He gets it through covers for one. 9 from Kaleem's first. 55 needed in 42.
12.5
.
Slows it up even more and bowls it outside off, Khan looks to go over covers but is beaten.
12.4
6
SIX! That is big! The batter comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and hits it against the turn. Over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie at wide long on. There was a fielder in the deep but it sailed over him.
12.3
.
Flatter and on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
12.2
1
Another single as this is worked to the right of the bowler.
12.1
1
Drop and run! This is on off, it is tapped towards point for one.
Change in bowling! Aamir Kaleem to roll his arm now.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
1
0
1
Khawar Ali 13/1(2)
11.6
1
On the shorter side, this is cut through point for one. End of a successful over by Ali.
11.5
.
Gives it a lot of flight and lands it on off, this is defended.
Ehsan Khan walks in next to partner McKechnie. A slip in place. Attacking captaincy from Zeeshan Maqsood.
11.4
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Khawar Ali strikes. The stand which started to worry Oman has been broken. Turn and bounce there and the outside edge is found. This lands on off and then turns away. Haroon plays a nothing stroke. He hangs his bat outside. The ball hits the outside edge and Suraj takes a sharp catch behind the stumps. 65 needed in 50 balls.
11.3
1
Slightly shorter and outside off, this is cut towards point for one.
11.2
.
McKechnie comes down the track and hits it back to the bowler.
11.1
1
Slightly short and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
In over# 1
1
2
1
1
1
0
Zeeshan Maqsood 12/0(3)
10.6
1
Turns it on the leg side and steals a quick ruin. Another tidy over by the Oman skipper where he should have got a wicket as well. 50-run stand comes up!
10.5
2
Fullish and outside off, driven through cover-point for a brace.
10.4
1
This is poor fielding from Oman. Once again it's dabbed down towards short third man and a run is stolen right under that fielder's nose.
10.3
1
DROPPED! Skipper puts down a dolly! Tossed up ball around off, Arshad rotates his wrists to attempt for a flick shot but closes the face of the bat early. It pops out back to the bowler off the leading edge and Maqsood drops a sitter in his followthrough. It bursts through his hands and deflects towards mid on. The bowler runs after it and the batsmen switch ends.
10.2
1
Flatter and shorter on off, McKechnie plays it with gentle hands towards short third man and rushes across to the other end.
10.1
.
Loopy and full on off, skidding in, Scott jumps out of the crease and tries to flick. Misses and is hit on the pads. They appeal but to no avail.
In over# 1
4
0
1wd
4
0
1
0
Khawar Ali 10/0(1)
9.6
4
FOUR! Cuts and cuts hard! Also it's in the gap. Short and outside off, Haroon camps back and slaps it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary. 10 from the over!
9.5
.
Beaten! Flatter and shorter around off, Arshad tries to cut it late but is too late. Misses and Suraj once again collects. A muted appeal from him dies down quickly.
9.5
1wd
Wide! Fires one down the leg side, Haroon leaves and it's a good take by Suraj behind the stumps.
9.4
4
FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Haroon and Hong Kong! A long hop on middle and leg, Arshad moves back inside the crease and pulls it firmly through square leg. The fielder in the deep moves quickly to his right and attempts to stop it with a slide. He fails to pull off that effort clinically and ends up touching the ball and the rope at the same time.
9.3
.
Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
9.2
1
Tossed up ball outside off, driven loosely with the spin through covers for one.
9.1
.
Beauty to beat the bat! Lovely flighted ball around off, drifting in and spinning away. McKechnie plays for the original trajectory and is beaten by the away spin. Suraj collects the ball and appeals but nothing from the umpire.
Khawar Ali to have a go now.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
Zeeshan Maqsood 6/0(2)
8.6
.
Goes on the back foot and punches it towards the bowler, He misfields but no run conceded. Another quiet over by the skipper. He has gone for 6 runs in his two overs so far.
8.5
1
The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single.
8.4
1
Short in length on off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
8.3
.
Vociferous appeal for an lbw this time! Flatter arm ball again, around off, Arshad steps out of the crease to work it away but misses. Suraj Kumar screams his lungs out but the umpire remains unmoved.
8.2
.
A stifled appeal for an lbw but there is a healthy inside edge. Arm ball around off, skidding in, Arshad tries defending but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
8.1
1
Fires a fuller length ball around leg, Scott knocks it down to long on and brings up 50 for Hong Kong!
In over# 1
1
4
0
2
0
1lb
1wd
Mehran Khan 8/0(1)
7.6
1
In the air... safe! Mix-up but safe! Fuller and on off, McKechnie looks to to loft it over covers but does not get the timing right. It lands safe. The batters take one and think of a second but Haroon is sent back. The fielder throws it to the keeper but it is a wild throw. 9 from the over, a good one for Hong Kong. 85 needed in 71.
7.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Hong Kong won't mind how they come as long as they come. Back of a length and outside off, McKechnie has a poke at it. It flies off the outside edge and goes down to the third man fence.
7.4
.
A little short again and outside off, McKechnie looks to push it through the off side but gets beaten.
7.3
2
Back of a length and on off, this is pushed through covers for a couple.
7.2
.
Takes a couple of steps down the track, the bowler shortens the length a little. SM looks to defend but gets beaten.
7.1
1lb
Around off, the batter looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad. It rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.
7.1
1wd
A false start! This one is slipped down the leg side. Wided.
Change in bowling! Mehran Khan to have a go with the ball.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
Zeeshan Maqsood 3/0(1)
6.6
.
A huge shout but not given! McKechnie comes down the track and this is fired on the pads. The batter misses the flick and is hit on the pads. A huge appeal but it is turned down. Probably an inside edge.
6.5
1
Another flatter delivery on off, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
6.4
1
Shorter and on middle, this is worked wide of long on but only for a run.
6.3
.
Comes down the track but Maqsood shortens the length. This is defended.
6.2
.
On off, this is defended.
6.1
1
Flatter and outside off, this is guided towards short third man for one.
No fourth over for Bilal Khan. He gets a breather and skipper Zeeshan Maqsood brings himself into the attack.
In over# 1
2
1wd
4
0
0
0
4
Mohammad Nadeem 11/0(1)
5.6
2
A couple to end the Powerplay! Hong Kong are 37 for 5 after it. 2 wickets more than what Oman lost but 9 runs more too. A short one to end the 6th. McKechnie looks to pull but gets a top edge towards deep mid-wicket for two.
5.6
1wd
WIDE! Fuller and swinging away from outside off, it is left alone.
Slip moves out to short mid-wicket! Fine leg inside the ring and a deep square leg is also placed.
5.5
4
FOUR! Just over! Slightly short and on the body, McKechnie swivels and pulls it over short fine leg for a boundary. This is a good over for Hong Kong!
5.4
.
Fuller this time and McKechnie goes after it. He gets an inside edge onto the pads.
5.3
.
Outside off again and it is another leave. Two leaves in a row, you do not see that often in T20s.
5.2
.
Good length and outside off, SM lets it be.
5.1
4
FOUR! Tickled nicely! Welcome into the attack, Nadeem. This is on the pads, McKechnie works it fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.
Mohammad Nadeem is on now!
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
1lb
Bilal Khan 16/3(3)
4.6
.
Goes short now and on off, it is guided to the right of short third man. The fielder quickly gets to his right to make the stop and Arshad is sent back by his partner. First over of the chase where a wicket has not fallen.
4.5
4
FOUR! That went past the leg pole by a whisker! Almost another one for Bilal. This is fuller and outside off, it comes back in after hitting the deck. Haroon looks to drive but ends up getting an inside edge which goes past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence.
4.4
1
A full toss, McKechnie drives but finds cover. The fielder there dives and parries it towards mid off. A single is taken.
4.3
.
That is a beauty! Showing all his variations here. A dipping slower one, fuller and outside off. McKechnie is way too early into the stroke and misses it by a long way.
4.2
.
On middle, SM strokes it to mid off.
4.1
1lb
On the pads, Haroon looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side and a leg bye is taken.
In over# 1
2
0
0W
1
0
0
Fayyaz Butt 8/2(2)
3.6
2
A little too straight, this is clipped through mid-wicket and easy two runs are taken.
3.5
.
Good length and on off, SM goes back and keeps it out.
Haroon Arshad arrives in the middle with Hong Kong staring down the barrel.
3.4
W
OUT! In the air... taken! Bilal Khan is the catcher! He is everywhere at the moment. You just can't keep him out of the game. A short one on middle, Singh looks to pull but the bounce gets big on him. He only manages a top edge which goes high up in the air towards short fine leg where Khan takes a dolly. Half the side back in the hut for Hong Kong within 4 overs.
3.3
1
In the air but wide! Fuller and outside off, the batsman throws his bat at it. It goes off the outside edge wide of point and down towards third man for one.
3.2
.
Play and a miss! Outswinger this time. On a length and outside off, Scott initially look to push inside the line but then decides late to withdraw his bat. A very late decision that, nearly took the outside edge.
3.1
.
Lands it on a length close to off, McKechnie brings a straight bat down and defends it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
0W
0W
1lb
1
0
Bilal Khan 11/3(2)
2.6
4
FOUR! A boundary off the hat-trick ball! Looks to bowl another yorker but ends up bowling a full toss. Singh works it through mid-wicket and bags a boundary. End of an action-packed over. 2 wickets and 6 runs from it!
Simandeep Singh is in at number 6 and gets ready to face the hat-trick ball.
2.5
W
Out? Not out? OUT! Well, the umpire has given it eventually! LBW! Waqas goes first ball. Hong Kong now in tatters. Two in two for Bilal Khan. Another one of those full inswingers. This seems to be a little too straight though. Barkat fails to put bat on ball and is hit on the pads. An appeal goes up. The umpire starts to move across to his left but then decides to lift his finger. That's a very late decision. He, in fact, tries to put his finger down also but eventually has given the striker out. Bilal Khan is bowling a dream spell, he is on a hat-trick.
Waqas Barkat is the new batsman with Hong Kong in all sorts of trouble.
2.4
W
OUT! KABOOM! Knocked him over! Three wickets in the 16 balls bowled and Oman right on top now. This is a gem of a delivery. Unplayable. An inswinging yorker. Can't do a lot about that one. It starts from outside off and comes back in late. Aizaz can't bring his bat down in time and the stumps behind are shattered. 122 needed in 104.
2.3
1lb
A little too straight again. The batter looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. An appeal by the bowler as the batters take one. Nothing from the umpire. Leg bye signaled.
2.2
1
A little too straight, Khan looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.
2.1
.
Fuller and around off, it shapes back in a little. Khan drives it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0W
3
Fayyaz Butt 5/1(1)
1.6
.
Good length and on off, McKechnie guides it to point.
1.5
1
This is angled into the batter, Aizaz works it towards mid-wicket for one.
1.4
1
Shorter and on middle, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.
1.3
.
Good length and on off, this is defended onto the ground.
Scott McKechnie walks out to bat.
1.2
W
OUT! TAKEN! Two down in the second over are Hong Kong and Oman are pumped up here. An unlucky dismissal one can say. It is full and tailing back in onto the pads. Shah flicks it nicely but does not keep it down and it goes straight to the fielder at short fine leg. Had it been to the left or the right of that fielder, it would have been a boundary. Kinchit Shah fails to make an impact with the bat. 126 more needed.
1.1
3
On the shorter side to begin! Khan pulls it past mid on. The fielder from mid off hares after it. He fumbles and an extra run is conceded.
Fayyaz Butt to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
4
0
0W
1wd
0
Bilal Khan 6/1(1)
0.6
.
BEATEN! End of a long but successful first over. Shortish and outside off, it moves away further. Shah hangs his bat out and gets beaten.
0.6
1wd
A short one down the leg side, Shah looks to pull but misses. Wided. There was an appeal to put the umpire off but not given.
0.5
.
Close shave! A direct hit was needed! We saw Hong Kong hit the stumps when needed and Oman would have to do the same. This is shorter and around off, it is guided towards point. The non-striker wants a run but is sent back. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
0.4
4
FOUR! Off the mark in style! Khan goes for the magic ball. He tries to swing it the leg pole to the off pole but there is no movement. It is worked by Shah past short fine leg for a boundary.
0.3
.
Squares him! That is an unplayable delivery, that too first up. This one starts coming into the off pole and then leaves the batter late. Shah plays all around it and luckily for him, it beats the outside edge and the off pole.
Kinchit Shah is the new batsman.
0.2
W
OUT! Boom! The off stump takes a beating! Just the kind of start Oman wanted! Bilal is a delighted man. He gets a fuller length ball to curl back into the batsman off the seam. He pitches it around off, Nizakat has a flash at it without moving his feet and is beaten comprehensively. The stumps are shattered and Bilal has drawn first blood.
0.2
1wd
Wide! Bilal loses his radar this time. Slips a length ball down the leg side, further swinging down as Nizakat fails to put bat on ball.
0.1
.
Starts with a good length ball on middle, a hint of inward shape, Khan works it out off his pads to mid-wicket.
We're back for the run chase. Nizakat Khan and Aizaz Khan are the openers for Hong Kong! Bilal Khan to have a go first up. Here we go...
135 is the target! This is not going to be easy against a good Oman attack. All to play for. Which team will head to Australia? Join us in a while to find out.
Hong Kong's head coach, Trent Johnston says that all the efforts they put in the training session have paid off. Hopes that they will bat well and overhaul the target. Adds that he just told his fielders to get their angles right on this ground. Feels that his players have put the best foot forward today and if they can't get 135, they don't deserve to go to Australia.
The Hong Kong bowlers were very good to begin with! More than their bowling, it was their fielding that was impressive. They stopped everything, the catching was great and it seemed like they would not miss the stumps tonight with their throws. Two direct hits saw them take two run outs. However, they will be disappointed with their overall effort. 100 at one point seemed difficult but the carnage right at the end, which the Hong Kong bowlers had no answers to, will now see them chase a tricky total.
A strong, strong finish for Oman! 50 runs in the last 3 overs have taken them to a score they surely will be happy with. Their dugout is ecstatic at the moment. Their coach especially as he is seen giving hi-fives to his skipper. The whole team walks out to applaud the effort of Singh and Naseem. It is because of the stand between the two, Oman are in this position. The chips were down after their top and middle-order crumbled. They were reeling at 42 for 6 at one stage. Singh though held one end up, scoring a fifty, he got able support from Kaleem as the two steadied the ship. Then came the fireworks. In walked Naseem and played a gem of a cameo. His quickfire stand with Jatinder has taken Oman to a score they can think of fighting.
19.6
6
SIX! This one has gone the distance! What a finish by Naseem Khushi. A clean hit. Khan dishes out a slower one, fuller in length around off. It falls right in the hitting zone of Khushi who latches onto it without fail. He gives it the full whack of his bat and powers it over the bowler's head for a maximum at long on. 18 from the final over and Oman have zoomed their total to 134/7!
19.5
1
A half-tracker on middle, it's pulled off the inside half to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.4
4
FOUR! Take that! Jatinder has mastered this Switch Hit! He has got more boundaries batting left than right. Picks up a length ball around off and smacks it towards third man for a boundary.
19.3
1
Smart bowling! A slower bouncer around off, Naseem is early into his pull shot and takes a blow on his helmet. That might have hurt although the batsman is not showing much pain. The ball has deflected to cover-point and they cross. It's given as a run. Hmm...may there was some wood involved.
The physio is out to have a look! A concussion test will take place just to check if everything is fine. That is done and we are fine to continue.
19.2
4
FOUR! Cheeky! Khushi has got the muscle but can innovate also. Fullish and on middle, Khushi moves across and neatly paddles it over short fine leg for a boundary.
19.1
2
Shortish and on off, Naseem swings his bat at it and gets it away off the splice of the bat. It goes aerial and drops in no man's land near long on. Two taken.
Aizaz Khan to bowl the final over. 1 for 12 in his 3 overs. The skipper has been brilliant today.
In over# 1
0
1
1wd
2
4
6
1
Nasrulla Rana 26/2(3)
18.6
.
This time it's not called a wide! Fuller in length outside off and well outside the tramline. Jatinder walks across the stumps and tries to poke at it. Misses. Looks at the umpire for a wide but nothing doing. 15 from the over!
18.5
1
Very full and on middle, it's knocked down to long on for one.
18.5
1wd
Called a wide! A touch harsh on the bowler. Sensing the shuffle across the off stump by the batsman, Rana bowls it wide outside off. Naseem pushes at it with an open-face but fails to connect.
18.4
2
Full again, wide outside off, Khushi smashes it again and hits it over covers. Good enough for a couple this time.
18.3
4
FOUR! Naseem has certainly got power. Full and wide outside off, Khushi reaches out for it and blazes it over covers. The fielder in the deep runs across to his right but fails to cut off. 28 runs in the last 9 balls. Oman on the charge!
18.2
6
SIX! Dismissed! Lovely pick-up shot from Khushi and his first scoring shot is a biggie. A slower one from Rana, it's just outside off, Naseem picks it up and deposits it over square leg.
18.1
1
Slower short ball outside off, Singh drags his pull shot wide of mid on and takes a run.
In over# 1
1
2b
4
4
0
6
Kyle Christie 24/0(3)
17.6
1
Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single. 17 from the over!
17.5
2b
What was that? Keeper is up and the bowler has bowled a bouncer out of sheer frustration. Poor Scott McKechnie! Singh tries his best to pull but misses. No chance for Scott and it goes over him. The batsmen cross for a couple of byes. 100 up for Oman!
Third man drops back.
17.4
4
FOUR! Oman move to 98! Fullish and on middle, Singh reverse sweeps it wide of short third man and fetches another boundary in this over.
17.3
4
FOUR! Crucial runs! Short in length and on off, Jatinder stands tall and pulls it with authority to the deep mid-wicket fence.
17.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Singh mistimes his shot back to the bowler.
17.1
6
SIX! Fifty for Jatinder Singh, his third in this format and he brings it with an audacious Switch Hit! With the keeper up, the length became predictable. As soon as Christie drops it on a fuller length around middle, Singh brings out his innovative shot and nails it over backward point. He has played a gem of a knock here but without much support!
Kyle Christie returns into the attack. The keeper is up to the stumps.
In over# 1
0
0W
4
1
1wd
1
0
Nasrulla Rana 11/2(2)
16.6
.
On a driving length outside off, Khushi swishes and misses.
Naseem Khushi is the new batsman.
16.5
W
OUT! Kaleem tries to be smart but fails to execute his attempted shot properly. Cleverly bowled by Rana. A slower one on a length around off, Kaleem walks across the stumps with the intention to spoon it over short fine leg. But since there is no pace to work with, he ends up mistiming it in the air. A simple catch for Mohammad Ghazanfar who moves across to his left to accept it. End of a 42-run stand, a handy one given the situation Oman were in!
16.4
4
FOUR! Nearly carried all the way. Short in length and around off Kaleem backs away to create room and smashes it over extra cover. It falls just in front of the rope.
16.3
1
This one skids back into the batsman from a fuller length around off, Singh forces it down towards long off from the inner half of his blade. They cross for one.
16.3
1wd
Wide! Short in length and outside off, Jatinder reaches out for it but misses. The keeper collects and breaks the stumps but Singh is safely in.
16.2
1
A miscued shot and there could have been a run out as well! Back of a length delivery around leg, Kaleem tries to pull but gets a bottom edge onto the pads. It deflects towards cover-point and they set off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Touch and go, that.
16.1
.
Starts with a length ball in the line of the stumps. It's a bit of an off paced delivery. Kaleem stays back and blocks it to the off side.
Change in bowling. Nasrulla Rana is back on. 1-0-4-1, so far from him.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
4
Ehsan Khan 15/1(4)
15.6
1
A single to end! Very full and on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
15.5
.
Another leading edge but it is safe again! This is on off, Kaleem looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. A soft leading edge is produced back to the bowler.
15.4
.
Very full and outside off, this is hit to the man at covers.
15.3
.
Very full and on middle, this is jammed back to the bowler.
15.2
1
Now follows the boundary with a single as he whips it through mid-wicket.
15.1
4
FOUR! Another reverse sweep and another boundary. This is fired outside off, Singh hits it nicely over the point fielder and bags one more boundary. He is playing a gem here.
In over# 1
1
4
1
0
2
0
Mohammad Ghazanfar 15/1(3)
14.6
1
Leading edge but safe! Singh looks to whip this against the turn through the leg side but gets a leading edge which goes down towards long off for one.
14.5
4
FOUR! Up and over! Once again the reverse sweep is played to good effect. He gets into position early does Singh and lofts it over point for a boundary.
14.4
1
The leg spinner on off, it is worked through square leg for one.
14.3
.
Loopy ball on off, Kaleem pushes it to covers.
14.2
2
On middle, this is worked down towards long on for two.
14.1
.
Good fielding again! Shorter and outside off, this is cut hard to the man at point. The fielder there dives and stops it.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
0
Ehsan Khan 9/1(3)
13.6
1
Flatter and on middle, Kaleem clips it through mid-wicket. They take one and have to settle for it.
13.5
1
On off, Singh works it with the turn through mid-wicket for another run.
13.4
1
Fired on the pads, Kaleem works it through mid-wicket for one.
13.3
1
This is worked with the turn through mid-wicket for one.
The physio is out in the middle to check after Jatinder Singh. Some issue with his fitness but he is ready to face the ball now.
13.2
.
Ouch! That must have hurt! This is short and on middle, it skids through. Singh looks to pull but misses and is hit on the body. He down on his haunches at the moment.
13.1
.
On middle, Singh looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. A soft leading edge is induced to covers.
Ehsan Khan is back. His figures so far reads 2-0-5-1.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Mohammad Ghazanfar 7/1(2)
12.6
.
Another dot to end as this is once again flicked to the left of the bowler.
12.5
.
Good fielding! This is worked to the left of the bowler. He dives, stops it and does not let the batters take the run.
12.4
1
Flatter and on middle, it skids through. Singh is a touch late to get his bat down. It goes off the inner half towards the leg side for one.
12.3
1
Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
12.2
.
Flatter and outside off, this is guided to point.
12.1
.
Shorter and around off, the batter looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Mohammad Ghazanfar is back. 1-0-5-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
1
1
1
2lb
Kinchit Shah 11/0(2)
11.6
4
FOUR! A welcome boundary for Oman! Singh innovates, he brings out the reverse sweep and gets it fine on the off side. Need a few more quickly.
11.5
.
A dot to end! This is on off, it is pushed back to the bowler.
11.4
1
Flatter and on middle, it is worked towards short fine leg for another single.
11.3
1
Outside off, this is driven through cover-point for one.
11.2
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
11.1
2lb
Two leg byes! This is on the pads, Kaleem looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and goes down towards fine leg for two.
In over# 1
0
1
1wd
0
0
0
0
Ehsan Khan 5/1(2)
10.6
.
On off, this is pushed back to the bowler.
10.5
1
Shorter and outside off, Kaleem cuts it through point for one.
10.5
1wd
Wide! Down the leg side, the batter looks to paddle but misses.
10.4
.
Shorter and outside off, it is cut towards point for no runs.
10.3
.
Three dots in a row! One more ball on middle, Kaleem lunges and keeps it out.
10.2
.
On off, it is pushed towards covers.
10.1
.
Well bowled! This is angled into the off pole, it pitches and spins away. Beats the outside edge of the bat. The keeper takes it and whips the bails off, an appeal but not given.
Ehsan Khan is back on.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Kinchit Shah 4/0(1)
9.6
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Kaleem flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
9.5
1
Loopy delivery on off, Jatinder drives it towards mid off for a single.
9.4
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Kaleem flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
9.3
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Kaleem plays it to point.
9.2
1
Driven towards the mid off region. One run added to the total.
9.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Singh flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0W
1
2
1
0
1
Mohammad Ghazanfar 5/1(1)
8.6
W
OUT! LBW! Another one bites the dust! It is all falling apart for Oman here. This decision is a tad unlucky though as replays show that there was an inside edge. Once again a bowler who is bowling his first over strikes. Ghazanfar lands it on off and then it turns back in. Khan looks to defend but there are two noises, one is off the ball hitting the pad. A huge appeal, the umpire shakes his head initially but then raises his finger.
8.5
1
Floated delivery on off, Singh plays it towards covers for a single.
8.4
2
Flighted delivery on middle, Jatinder flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
8.3
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Mehran flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
8.2
.
On a length on off, Khan plays it to covers.
8.1
1
Short delivery on middle, Jatinder pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
0W
1
1lb
1
1
0
Ehsan Khan 3/1(1)
7.6
W
OUT! Taken on the second attempt! Half the side back in the hut and the score has not even crossed 50. Hong Kong all over Oman at the moment. The offie strikes in his first over itself. It is the arm ball, it is quicker and outside off. Kumar looks to punch it through the off side but there is a thick outside edge. McKechnie fails to take it on the second attempt but to his luck, it pops up nicely and he grabs it on the second attempt.
7.5
1
Excellent fielding! The paddle sweep is out from Singh. It goes towards short fine leg. The fielder there runs to his right, dives and stops it. It is an excellent stop as the ball had almost passed him but he really did well to stick his left hand out and stopped it.
7.4
1lb
Turn there! This is on middle, Kumar looks to flick but it hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg for one.
7.3
1
Works it with the turn towards short fine leg for a quick run. The misfield from the fielder made the run easier.
7.2
1
Slightly shorter and on the body, it is pulled towards short fine leg for one.
7.1
.
Tosses it up on off, it is defended.
Ehsan Khan is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
1
1
Aizaz Khan 12/1(3)
6.6
1
A little too straight this is clipped towards fine leg for one. Another over which accounts for a wicket.
6.5
1
Good length and on middle, this is eased down to long on for an easy run.
Suraj Kumar is the new man in.
6.4
W
OUT! In the air... taken! The Oman dressing room is shell-shocked at the moment. They just can't understand what is going on. What shot was that? Was it needed at the moment? NO! Nadeem has literally gifted his wicket to Hong Kong. It is a length ball outside off, Nadeem swings but the ball takes the top edge and lobs towards third man. It is a skier. Barkat settles under it nicely and takes a good catch. Oman slip further.
6.3
1
Good length and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.
6.2
1
Confusion again but safe! This is on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket. They take one and then think of a second but the striker sends the non-striker back in time.
6.1
1
Shorter and around off, this is pulled through square leg and a single is taken.
In over# 1
0
1
2
0
1
1
Kyle Christie 9/0(2)
5.6
.
On a length on off, Nadeem plays it towards point. Oman are 28/3 after 6 overs. A top Powerplay for Hong Kong.
5.5
1
Full on middle, Jatinder plays it towards the off side for a single.
5.4
2
Length delivery on off, Jatinder lofts it safely over covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
5.3
.
Short delivery on middle, Singh looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
5.2
1
On a length on middle, Nadeem flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
5.1
1
Length delivery on middle, Singh nudges it towards square leg for a single.
Kyle Christie is back on. 1-0-4-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0W
1
1
0
Aizaz Khan 7/0(2)
4.6
.
Good length and on middle, it is kept out. Another successful over comes to an end. Three wickets in the last three overs.
4.5
1
Good fielding again! Hong Kong have their tails up at the moment. This is a little too straight. JS works it towards short fine leg where the fielder dives to his left and stops it. A single taken.
Mohammad Nadeem is the next batsman in.
4.4
W
OUT! Huge mix-up and it is another run out! Oman in disarray at the moment. But what fielding here from Oman. They have had two chances to run the batter out, they needed to hit the stumps directly on both the occasion and they have done so. It just seems they are up for this game and are hungrier than their opponents who look really nervous at the moment. This is also a good wicket as Zeeshan can really be dangerous. This is on off, Zeeshan taps it towards cover and takes a start. Singh is off, Zeeshan hesitates but then sees Singh is almost beside him. He then goes for it. Kinchit Shah picks the ball up, realizes he has a lot of time, aims and then hits bull's eye at the non-striker's end. ZM walks back with his head down.
4.3
1
Nicely played! This is slightly shorter and around off, it is dragged through backward square leg for one.
4.2
1
One more short ball and width on offer, Zeeshan cuts it towards third man for one.
4.1
.
Shorter but closer to the off pole, it is guided to point.
Aizaz Khan is back on. 1-0-4-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0W
2
4
Haroon Arshad 8/0(1)
3.6
1
Edged but short! Well fielded though! This is fuller and around off, Zeeshan looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It lands well short of the fielder at first slip who dives, gets a hand to it. It goes down to third man for one.
3.5
.
Good length and on middle, this is kept out.
3.4
1
Good length and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Zeeshan Maqsood is the new man in.
3.3
W
OUT! Direct hit and run out! The batsman is standing his ground, he believes, he was in. Hong Kong do not care though as they are on cloud nine at the moment. Excellent start for them as they have two early wickets. This is full and on middle, Singh works it towards mid on and takes a start. Ilyas starts rushing towards the other end but is sent back. Nizakhat Khan picks the ball up, takes aim and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Ilyas did dive but that did not save him.
3.2
2
On a length on middle, Singh flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
3.1
4
FOUR! Bowls it on the pads, Jatinder flicks it easily towards the fine leg region for a boundary.
Haroon Arshad is into the attack.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0W
0
0
Nasrulla Rana 4/1(1)
2.6
4
FOUR! Streaky! Almost drags it on! This one is brought back in from outside off, it is on a length. Ilyas looks to guide it down to third man but that shot is not on. It goes off the inside edge, past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. A boundary to end but a top class over by Rana.
2.5
.
Beaten! This is a top, top over till now! Goes very full this time and outside off, it shapes away a touch too. Ilyas goes after it but misses.
2.4
.
A dot! Slightly short and outside off, it is cut to point.
Aqib Ilyas is the new batsman in.
2.3
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Hong Kong draw first blood and that too early on. A big wicket as Khawar Ali played really well in the last game. This is a nothing shot to be honest, his eyes were off the ball, he was trying to swing at it blindly and pays the price. This is a length delivery and outside off, Ali throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball kisses the outside edge and it goes to the keeper who takes. The Hong Kong players are pumped up. Just the start they would have wanted.
2.2
.
Very full again and on off, Ali strokes it back to the bowler who fumbles but no runs conceded.
2.1
.
Swing and a miss! Full and outside off, Khawar throws his bat at it but gets beaten.
Nasrulla Rana is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1wd
1
0
Kyle Christie 4/0(1)
1.6
1
Full delivery on off, Ali drives it towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
1.5
1
On a length on off, Singh guides it towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
1.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Jatinder defends it out.
1.3
.
On a good length on off, Singh defends it off the back foot.
1.3
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side, Singh looks to go after it but misses it.
1.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Khawar Ali pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.1
.
Leading edge but safe! Shorter and on middle, Ali looks to work it on the leg side but ends up getting a leading edge which lands safe on the off side.
Kyle Christie to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
0
1
Aizaz Khan 4/0(1)
0.6
1
Another good run! Good over though by the Hong Kong skipper. One more length ball on off, this is guided towards point for one.
0.5
1
Good running! This is on off, it is dropped towards cover for a quick single.
0.4
1
KA is off the mark now! This is angled into the batter, it is worked towards mid on for one.
0.3
.
Gets it right now and lands it on off, Ali defends it nicely.
0.2
.
Well fielded! Saves three at least for his side. Shorter and outside off, Ali cuts it hard towards point. The fielder there dives to his left and stops it.
0.1
1
Extra bounce! This is slightly short and on middle, takes off after pitching. Singh does well to play it with soft hands towards square leg for one. Oman are underway.
We are all set to begin. Khawar Ali and Jatinder Singh will open the batting for Oman. Aizaz Khan will start the proceedings for Hong Kong.
Aizaz Khan, Hong Kong skipper says he wanted to bat first too but they need to bowl well now and restrict them to a low total. Adds that they are doing well and they head into this game with confidence. Informs they are playing the same side.
Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman skipper says they would want to put up a good total and then defend it as chasing is tough. Adds they would want to play well today and fightback. Ends by saying he will try his best and hope he can lead from the front. Informs they have two changes - Mehran Khan and Naseem Khushi come in place of Sandeep Goud and Khurram Nawaz.
Hong Kong (Playing XI) - Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan (C), Kinchit Shah, Haroon Arshad, Simandeep Singh, Waqas Barkat, Scott McKechnie (WK), Mohammad Ghazanfar, Ehsan Khan, Kyle Christie, Nasrulla Rana.
Oman (Playing XI) - Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Aamir Kaleem, Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Suraj Kumar (WK), Mehran Khan (IN FOR SANDEEP GOUD), Naseem Khushi (IN FOR KHURRAM NAWAZ), Mohammad Nadeem, Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Oman. Oman have won the toss and elected to bat first.
Hello and a warm welcome to the 4th playoff between Hong Kong and Oman at Dubai. The winning side will directly qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup. Oman lost their previous encounter but have a second chance to make it to Australia. Hong Kong on the other hand, have no other chance, if they lose tonight, they are out. A lot is at stake here.