Islamabad, Feb 19: In a historic encounter that rewrote the record books, Oman and the USA delivered an unprecedented display of spin dominance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The match, played on February 18, 2025, at Al Amerat, became the first-ever completed ODI where not a single delivery of pace was bowled, showcasing a strategic shift rarely seen at the international level.
Oman, having already demonstrated their spin-heavy strategy in their previous fixture against Namibia, stuck to their game plan when put to the test against the USA. Opting to bowl first, the hosts dismantled the American batting lineup for just 122 runs in 35.3 overs. Their five-pronged spin attack, led by Shakeel Ahmed’s three-wicket haul, kept the USA batters in check throughout the innings.
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In response, the USA took a page from Oman’s playbook, deploying an all-spin attack of their own. Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh made early inroads before Nosthush Kenjige emerged as the game-changer, claiming five wickets in a mesmerizing spell. Yasir Mohammad chipped in with two more as Oman crumbled under relentless pressure, managing only 65 runs in their chase. With every single wicket falling to spin, the match etched its place in cricketing history as a true testament to the craft.
Beyond the extraordinary nature of the contest, the USA’s successful defense of 122 set another landmark, surpassing India’s record of defending 125 runs against Pakistan in 1985. Oman, meanwhile, joined an elite club as only the third team to complete an entire ODI innings using spin alone a feat they astonishingly achieved twice in the same tournament.
This encounter underscored a growing trend in ODI cricket, particularly among associate nations, where spin is becoming an increasingly potent weapon. As teams continue to evolve their strategies, Oman and the USA’s bold approach may inspire others to rethink the conventional balance between pace and spin in limited-overs cricket. With the game constantly evolving, this match might just be a glimpse into a future where spin rules the roost.
