Courtesy: USA Cricket
USA have entered the history books by breaking India’s record of defending lowest-ever total in men’s ODIs. In the Cricket World Cup’s League 2 match at AI Amerat Cricket Ground, they defended a total of 122 against Oman to script history. US skipper Monak Patel won the toss and elected to bat first. Oman bowlers looked aggressive from the first over of the game and folded the visitors at a low score. Except for Milind Kumar (unbeaten 47 off 82), no batter could deliver an impactful knock to the US.
Defending the low total, the US witnessed the heroics of Nosthush Kenjige, who looked extraordinary with his left-arm orthodox bowling and picked up a fifer in his 7.3-over spell. The spin wizard received the support from Milind Kumar and Yasir Mohammad. The trio displayed spunk and folded Oman on 65 in 25.3 overs. Milind received the player of the match award for his stunning all-round display.
Dominance of spinners led to new feats in ODI cricket
Back in 1985, India defended a score of 125 against their arch-rivals Pakistan in Rothmans Four-Nations Cup in Sharjah. The Kapil Dev-led pack bundled out Pakistan on 87 to break into record books. With this match, the US have snatched the feat from India. The game also saw the dominance of spinners as 19 wickets went into spinners’ favour which equalled the record of most wickets taken by turners in ODIs. In 2011, the contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2011 also witnessed the reign of spinners as they trapped 19 batters.
Oman have struggled with their form in this tournament as they looked miserable while chasing a score of 97 against Namibia on February 16. The hosts successfully pulled off the low score but lost eight wickets during their pursuit.
