Oman’s Men’s T20I team opened their Asian Games Qualifier campaign with a seven-run victory over hosts Singapore at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Monday. The match, part of Group B in the seven-team tournament, was reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain interruptions.

The Omani side, featuring 10 players making their international debuts, was captained by experienced all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood. Despite their relative inexperience, the team displayed remarkable composure to secure the win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, defending a revised target of 151.

Oman posted 149 for 7, with an aggressive start provided by openers Mohammad al Balushi and Shuaib al Balushi. The pair put together a rapid 78-run partnership in just seven overs. Mohammad contributed 44 runs off 26 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Shuaib anchored the innings with 40 runs from 35 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and one six.

Although the innings lost some momentum after reaching 115 for 4 in the 12th over, Zubair al Balushi’s quick 19 off 10 balls, featuring two sixes and a four, helped revive the scoring. Late boundaries from Wasim al Balushi ensured Oman finished with a competitive total.

Singapore’s reply was spearheaded by captain Rezza Gaznavi, who scored 49 off 33 balls, alongside an aggressive 27 from Aslan Jafri off 17 deliveries. However, Singapore’s effort to chase the target was repeatedly disrupted by the Omani bowling attack. Debutant pacer Nawed al Balushi delivered a decisive spell, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs in his three overs, including key breakthroughs in the middle overs. His performance earned him player of the match honors.

The win gives Oman an early advantage in Group B, which includes Singapore, Bahrain, and Hong Kong. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification for the Asian Games to be held in Japan later this year. Oman is scheduled to face Bahrain on June 3 and Hong Kong on June 5 as they continue their group-stage campaign.

Group A features Nepal, China, and Malaysia. The tournament outcome will determine the four teams advancing to the Asian Games cricket event.