Oman go down fighting to Kuwait in ACC Premier Cup

Bilal Tahir held his nerve through a tense finish to give Kuwait a four-wicket victory over Oman in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Kuala Lumpur. His unbeaten 103 guided Kuwait to 256 for six with just two balls remaining, handing Oman its first defeat of the tournament.

Oman had posted a competitive 252 for eight from 50 overs. Jiten Ramanandi top-scored with 53 from 55 balls, while Karan Sonavale made 43 and Jay Odedra added 39. Odedra and Shakeel Ahmed then put on 50 runs to push Oman towards the 250 mark.

Kuwait’s chase began badly. Oman reduced the side to 37 for three inside the opening 10 overs, creating a strong opening in the defence. Tahir and Mohammed Aslam Nawfer resisted the pressure with a 50-run stand from 67 balls. Aslam eventually made 62 from 77 deliveries, including six fours.

Tahir remained at the crease as Kuwait passed 150 in the 33rd over and 200 in the 42nd. With the required rate rising, he found an important partner in Yasin Patel, and their 50-run stand from 46 balls swung the match back towards Kuwait.

Tahir reached his century from 103 balls, with nine fours and three sixes, and finished unbeaten on 103 from 106 balls. Oman’s Shah Faisal and Jay Odedra took two wickets each, while Shakeel Ahmed and Nadeem Khan took one apiece. Mohamed Shafeeq and Abdullah Zaheer had earlier claimed three wickets each for Kuwait.