In a rain-delayed match in Harare, Vikramjit Singh’s first century defeated Ayaan Khan’s undefeated 105 to help the Netherlands maintain their World Cup aspirations. Ayaan continued the battle for Oman, who had not yet achieved victory, but the goal of 363 proved to be too much of a challenge.
The Netherlands opener and Max O’Dowd (35), his opening partner, played the aggressor in the 117-run stand after rain cut the game’s duration to 48 overs per side. Off 102 balls, he reached his first triple-digit score in ODI cricket, although he soon lost his wicket. But at that time, Wesley Barresi was in command. The Netherlands’ number three batsman was unlucky to fall short of a century by only three runs, but his 65-ball onslaught on Oman, which included 10 fours and three sixes, easily pushed the Netherlands above the 300-run threshold.
With the help of cameos from Bas de Leede (39 off 19) and Saqib Mulfiqur (33 off 17), their total of 362/7 from the allocated 48 overs was formidable. Oman’s ambitious chase got off to a shaky start as they lost two wickets, including their captain Aqib Ilyas, within the powerplay itself. In order to complete his 92-ball undefeated 105, Ayaan then held one end together and had assistance from Shoaib Khan (46 off 61). However, the asking rate and pressure on the scoreboard kept rising. Ayaan quickly reached the fifty-ball mark in just 84 balls, while Shoaib fell to it four short of what could have been his fifty.
The play was suspended due to poor lighting when Oman was on 246/6 with four overs left, not that they were even near. The ultimate decision was made by the weather, as the Netherlands picked up their second victory of the Super Sixes to stay in the game. There is fierce competition for the second qualification spot now that Sri Lanka has already advanced. In order for the Netherlands to advance, Zimbabwe must now lose against Scotland, and they must win their final match.