By Syed Nadim Siraj
Just as the rain came down as hard as it could to stop the action for one final time at the Lugogo Oval in Kampala, Uganda late into Tuesday afternoon, the writing was on the wall.
Oman was declared champion of the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division Three tournament – thanks to a washout against Canada in the final.
Persistent rain throughout the day had repeatedly been slashing the length of the match down. After Canada reached 176 for three in 38 overs upon being put in to bat, rain arrived and a subsequent delay cut down Oman’s equation to 177 required from 24 overs.
The Red Machine raced away to 50 for two from 4.3 overs when another spell of heavy rain forced the umpires to call off play – and spark joyous celebrations in the Oman dugout.
Oman coach Duleep Mendis is lifted by fast bowler Munis Ansari (left) and assistant coach Mazhar Saleem Khan (centre) following the title triumph
Oman, which had topped the leaderboard heading into the final, finished as the competition’s No 1 team by default – since the final was washed out. Canada, which was No 2 in the group-stage standings, finished runner-up.
More importantly, though, both teams had already made it to WCL Division Two for finishing as the top two sides in the Uganda competition.
Earlier, Bhavindu Adhihetty carved out 86 from 108 balls and his opening partner Nitish Kumar hit 50 from 78 balls as their 102-run stand gave Canada a solid start. Oman’s Munis Ansari, Nestor Dhamba and Aqib Ilyas claimed a wicket each.
During the shortened chase, Zeeshan Maqsood hit a breezy 16-ball 32, while Khawar Ali (9 not out) and Mohammad Nadeem (6 not out) remained at the crease when the match was abandoned.
The WCL Division Two tournament will be played next year, with the venue and schedule yet to be finalised.
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