The USA defended a record low total of 122 runs against Oman, winning by 57 runs in the Cricket World Cup League 2. Nosthush Kenjige’s impressive bowling led to Oman’s innings ending at 65, marking the lowest ODI total for the team. The match showcased a strong performance by the USA’s spin attack in favorable conditions for slower bowlers.
On Tuesday, the USA achieved a remarkable feat by defending a total of 122 runs, marking it as the lowest successful defense in men’s One Day International (ODI) history for non-curtailed matches. This triumph occurred during their Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Oman, where they secured a 57-run victory. The USA’s bowling prowess, primarily from left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige, was pivotal in this historic win, as he claimed impressive figures of 5 for 11 in 7.3 overs, leading to Oman’s collapse to just 65 runs.
Historically, the previous record for the lowest defended ODI total was India’s 125 runs against Pakistan in 1985. In that match, India prevailed by 38 runs in Sharjah. On the current occasion, the USA’s bowlers were in fine form, with notable contributions from Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, and Yasir Mohammed complementing Kenjige’s efforts.
Oman’s batting lineup struggled significantly, with captain Jatinder Singh falling early and contributing only seven runs. The team’s innings ultimately ended at 65, marking their lowest score in men’s international cricket. The game played at the Oman Cricket Academy favored slower bowlers, leading to a complete absence of pace bowlers from either side during the match.
Despite Oman’s initial strategy of an all-spin attack, the USA’s batting, though limited, saw Milind Kumar score 47 not out, helping the team surpass the 100-run threshold. The USA completed their innings in just 35.3 overs, with Oman’s Shakeel Ahmad recording the best bowling performance at 3 for 20. The victory not only highlights the USA’s rising profile in cricket but also reflects the shifting dynamics of the ODI format, where spin bowling now plays a crucial role.
The USA’s successful defense of 122 runs against Oman sets a new ODI record for the lowest successful defense in non-curtailed matches. Nosthush Kenjige’s outstanding bowling performance led to Oman’s collapse for 65 runs, underscoring shifts in pitch conditions that now favor spin bowlers. This match signifies a remarkable achievement for USA cricket and highlights the evolving strategies in One Day Internationals.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
