(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Chaminda Ruwan struck a patient 131-ball 81 not out as hosts Singapore held their nerve to snatch a two-wicket win against Oman in the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 4 tournament at the Kallang Ground on Wednesday.
The win placed Singapore jointly on top with Denmark and Malaysia, all with six points each. Denmark is at the top of the table with an impressive net run-rate, followed by Singapore and then Malaysia.
For Oman, which is coached by former Sri Lankan Test star Duleep Mendis, Wednesday's loss was its third defeat in four outings in what has turned out to be yet another disappointing campaign in a 50-over international competition.
Put in to bat by the home team, Oman managed a modest 186 for eight in 50 overs, riding useful knocks from No 8 Syed Amir Ali (50 not out), No 3 Jatinder Singh (37) and opening batsman Zeeshan Siddiqui (28).
Singapore off-spinner Mulewa Dharmichand claimed four for 21 in his ten overs. Selladore Vijayakumar (2-23) and Christopher Janik (2-32) made key inroads as well. Chasing 187 for victory, Singapore began strongly with Ruwan and Andre de Lange (37) putting on 66 for the opening wicket.
However, after de Lange was run out, spinner Ajay Lalcheta (5-20) drastically brought Oman back into the game with a five-wicket burst. Syed Aamir Kaleem (2-42) chipped in with a couple of key dismissals.
Ruwan and No 10 Vijayakumar (11 not out) stayed calm towards the closing stages of the chase, taking Singapore home in 45.4 overs. In the day's other matches, Denmark whipped title contender Jersey by 134 runs, while Malaysia edged out Italy by a six-run margin.
Brief scores:
Oman 186-8 in 50 overs (Ali 50 n.o, Siddiqui 28, Singh 37; Dharmichand 4-21) lost to Singapore (Ruwan 81 n.o, de Lange 37; Lalcheta 5-20, Kaleem 2-42). Denmark 270 in 49.5 overs beat Jersey 136 in 39 overs. Malaysia 240-9 in 50 overs beat Italy 234 in 48.3 overs.
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