After scoring only 122 in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match at Al Amerat, the United States of America (USA) defeated Oman by 57 runs, shattering the longstanding record held by India. India’s 125 against Pakistan in the 1985 Rothmans Four-Nations Cup was the lowest total ever successfully defended in an ODI that hasn’t been cut down to fewer overs. In Sharjah, they had triumphed by 38 runs.
After nearly 40 years, the USA shattered India’s long-held record with their victory over Oman. Since all nine of the bowlers employed in the match were spinners, the game also set a new record.
After 4671 matches, this was the first men’s ODI history to be finished without a single ball being bowled by a fast bowler.
The match also tied the previous record of 19 wickets taken by spinners in an ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan in 2011.
The two teams in today’s match, however, only scored 187 runs in 61 overs, making this the second-lowest total in an ODI with both teams out. With a total of 163 runs in 41 overs, the 2014 ODI between India and Bangladesh tops the list.
As batters give up, Al Amerat becomes a paradise for spin.
The site for this event, Al Amerat, could be credited for setting the game’s records. In all eight games involving hosts Oman, teams that batted first were dismissed for a total below 170. Over 240 runs were scored in the other four games. In the last match played here, Oman lost eight wickets in a 96-run chase against Namibia. JJ Smit was the only fast bowler in this match to bowl an entire over. In three of the four ODIs played at Al Amerat, spinners have taken 17 or more wickets.