USA Shatters India’s 40-Year Record in Historic ODI Victory Over Oman

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A Staggering Upset in Cricket World Cup League 2

In a game that will be remembered for years, the USA cricket team stunned the cricketing world by defending the lowest total in men’s One Day International (ODI) history. Facing Oman in a Cricket World Cup League 2 match at Al Amerat, the USA defended a meager 122 runs, bowling out the hosts for just 65 to secure a dominant 57-run win.

This extraordinary feat broke India’s 38-year-old record for the lowest successfully defended total in ODI cricket, previously set in 1985 when India defended 125 against Pakistan in Sharjah.

With this victory, the USA not only etched its name into the cricketing record books but also signaled its growing prowess in international cricket.

Breaking India’s Long-Standing Record

Before this match, India held the record for defending the lowest total in an ODI when they bowled out Pakistan for just 87 while defending 125 runs in 1985. However, the USA’s historic triumph against Oman has now surpassed this benchmark, proving that low totals can still be match-winning under the right conditions.

Across 4,671 ODIs played globally, never before had a target as low as 122 been successfully defended in a full 50-over match—until now.

A Game Where Spin Ruled Supreme

What made this match even more unique was the complete absence of pace bowling. For the first time in men’s ODI history, not a single delivery was bowled by a fast bowler.

All nine bowlers used by both teams were spinners, making this a one-of-a-kind encounter in cricket’s rich history. This emphasized just how spin-friendly the Al Amerat pitch has become, turning it into a nightmare for batsmen.

Nosthush Kenjige’s Career-Best Spell Destroys Oman

At the heart of USA’s bowling dominance was Indian-origin left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige, who produced the performance of his career with figures of 5/11 in 7.3 overs. His devastating spell left Oman’s batting lineup in tatters, securing his place as the hero of this historic match.

Kenjige found perfect support from fellow spinners Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, and Yasir Mohammed, who collectively ensured that 19 of the 20 wickets in this match fell to spin—just one short of the all-time record for most spin wickets in an ODI.

Low-Scoring Thriller: One for the Record Books

This game wasn’t just about USA’s stunning defense—it also became one of the lowest-scoring ODIs in history.

  • Both teams managed a combined total of just 187 runs in 61 overs, ranking it as the second-lowest aggregate in ODI history where both teams were all out.
  • The only match with a lower total was India vs. Bangladesh in 2014, when both teams combined for just 163 runs.

Despite their struggles, the USA’s Milind Kumar (47 not out) played a crucial role in dragging his team to 122, a total that ultimately proved to be match-winning.

Oman’s Batting Collapse: A Familiar Story

For Oman, this match was another chapter in their recent batting woes.

  • Captain Jatinder Singh managed only 7 runs, and the team collapsed under relentless pressure from the USA’s spinners.
  • The only bright spot for Oman was Ahmad Shakeel (3/20), who bowled brilliantly but couldn’t change his team’s fate.

Oman has struggled to put up competitive totals at Al Amerat, with this being their second sub-100 total in recent matches.

Al Amerat: A Graveyard for Batsmen?

The Al Amerat pitch continues to be a nightmare for teams batting first.

  • In all eight ODIs played at this venue, no team setting a target has crossed 170 runs.
  • The slow and turning conditions have made it one of the toughest batting surfaces in world cricket.

This game further reinforced Al Amerat’s reputation as a spinner’s paradise, with spinners claiming 17 or more wickets in an ODI for just the third time in history.

What’s Next for the USA and Oman?

With this record-breaking win, USA’s confidence will be sky-high as they look to build momentum in Cricket World Cup League 2.

On the other hand, Oman faces an uphill battle as their batting continues to falter. Their inability to post competitive totals is a major concern, and urgent adjustments are needed if they hope to turn their campaign around.

As the tournament progresses, the big questions remain:

  • Can the USA continue their dream run and push for a Cricket World Cup qualification?
  • Will Oman find a way to recover from this crushing defeat?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this match will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive performances in ODI history.

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