Kathmandu, February 6

Oman defeated the United States of America by six wickets to register their second straight victory in the Nepal Tri-National Series under the ICC Cricket World Cup League2 here at the TU Stadium today.

Batting first, the USA were bowled out for 213 in the last ball of the innings, while Oman reached 214-4 with three balls to spare. Oman had the home side by 18 runs in the opening match of the double-header series, the first-ever One Day International tri-series hosted by Nepal.

Aqib Ilyas and Mohammad Nadeem scored half centuries in Oman’s chase. Ilyas top scored with 72 off 110 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes, while Nadeem struck two boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 55 off 85 balls. Suraj Kumar scored 33 not out, while opener Khawar Ali contributed 31 runs. Saurabh Netravalkar, Juan Theron, Ian Holland and Steven Taylor claimed one wicket each for the USA.

Earlier, the USA recovered from a precarious position of 54-4 to post a respectable total, thanks to sensible innings from Holland and Akshay Homraj. The duo lifted the USA innings with a 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Holland scored 65 off 78 balls, while Homraj struck three fours and two sixes in his 53-ball 44. Monank Patel (19), Timil Patel (16), Saurabh Netravalkar (14 not out), Xavier Marshall (13), Aaron James (12) and Juan Theron (10) got starts but all of them failed to convert them into big knocks.

Mohammad Nadeem was the pick of the Oman bowlers taking 3-43 from eight overs, while Bilal Khan, skipper Zeeshan Maqsood and Aqib Ilyas grabbed two wickets each. Kaleemullah also bagged a wicket.

Nepal will take on the USA in the last match of the first round on Saturday.