Afghanistan routs Oman by 9 wickets

Oman's joy of upsetting defending champion Sri Lanka on Thursday was short-lived as it suffered a nine-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the ongoing ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh, on Saturday. Playing its second match at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground, Oman was bowled out for 153.

Jatinder Singh, who hit his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka, continued his good form as he struck an 84-ball 72. However, the opener found little support from his teammates.

Left arm spinner Tariq Stanikzai was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan as he ended up with figures of four for 29 while Abdul Wasi took two wickets.

An unbeaten 102-ball 91 from opener Abdul Malik, which included 12 fours and two sixes, propelled Afghanistan’s run-chase, with Shahidullah adding 34 runs.

Earlier on Thursday, Oman shocked Sri Lanka by four wickets. Chasing a challenging target of 269, Jatinder guided the side to the victory with seven balls to spare.

Oman lost four wickets for 90, but a 148-run fifth-wicket stand between Jatinder and Suraj Kumar (70 off 77) changed the course of the game.

Kumar’s knock included three sixes and four fours while Jatinder remained unbeaten on 131 off 150 deliveries, striking 13 fours and a six along the way.

Oman had bowled out Sri Lanka for 268. Ashen Bandara top-scored with 61 while skipper Charith Asalanka added 57 runs. Debutant off-spinner Sanuth Ibrahim picked up three wickets. Brief scores: Oman 153 in 44 overs (Jatinder 72; Stanikzai 4-29) lost to Afghanistan 154-1 in 30.5 overs (Abdul Malik 91 n.o., Shahidullah 34).