Under the bright lights of Dubai’s DSC Stadium, something electric was in the air. This wasn’t just another cricket match; it was a local derby, a clash of pride between two of Associate cricket’s brightest stars: the UAE and Oman. And it lived up to every bit of the hype, delivering a heart-stopping finish that left fans breathless.
In the end, it was the UAE who kept their cool, winning by two wickets with only three balls remaining. The final scorecard is a testament in itself:
- Oman: 237/9 (50 overs)
- UAE: 241/8 (49.3 overs)
But the statistics barely tell the tale. The true story was inked in the sweat, the tension, and the sheer determination to win exhibited by both sides.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Oman, opting to bat first, were left in a familiar position of trouble early on. But at a time when hope did seem to fade, experienced Aqib Ilyas (68) and rising star Ayan Khan (55) stitched together a knit of sheer determination. For a few overs, they made the UAE bowlers look run-of-the-mill, canvasing the field with classy drives and astute placements. A figure of 250+ seemed to be on the cards.
But cricket, as fast as the desert wind, turns direction in an instant. UAE wily all-rounder Rohan Mustafa disrupted the stand, and the impetus changed. UAE bowlers, particularly young leg-spinner Karthik Meiyappan, stifled Oman’s late surge, holding them to 237. It was a decent total, but was it sufficient?
The UAE response was an image of Oman’s innings: a promising beginning, followed by a cataclysmic collapse. Why? The mercurial left-arm swing of Oman’s Bilal Khan. With passion in his eyes and accuracy in his bowling, he tore through the UAE top and middle order, returning a brilliant 4/52. Whenever UAE attempted to create hope, Bilal extinguished it.
At 175/6, the asked run rate rising, tension hung thick in the air. The crowd’s rapturous cheers were replaced by anxious whispers. It was Oman’s game to lose.
The Ice Man Cometh
In the face of the collapsing innings was UAE’s wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind. As old hands gave way to pressure, the young man had an innings of deep equanimity and maturity. He didn’t attempt to be a hero with reckless shots; he was a tactician, choosing his moments, rotating the strike, and waiting for his ball.
He got an unexpected ally in the tailenders, and, bolstered by them, chipped away. The math came down to the last, dreaded over: 9 runs against Oman’s best bowler, Bilal Khan.
The first ball was a dot. The silence was deafening.
The second ball: Aravind whipped it hard, thumping it screaming over cover for a boundary. The stadium exploded.
The pressure oscillated from one side to the other with each ball until, with 4 required from 2, number 10 batter Zahoor Khan managed a spine-tingling boundary from a Bilal Khan full toss.
The UAE dugout erupted on the field in a tide of unadulterated happiness. In the middle stood Aravind, 45 not out, spent but elated, having masterminded a robbery for the ages.
More Than a Game
Amidst the UAE celebrations, there was a very powerful moment of sportsmanship. Bilal Khan, who had left everything on the pitch, stood despondent. The first ones to console him were the UAE batsmen. It was a reminder in itself that under the heat of the rivalry, there is always deep respect for each other.
This game contained everything: great individual displays, a change of momentum, and a finish that makes us remember why we love football. For the UAE, it is a huge confidence booster. For Oman, it is a bitter lesson in finishing games off.
But for the enthusiasts? It was a wonderful advertisement for the drama, skill, and passion that characterizes cricket in this region. The next installment of this desert rivalry cannot come quickly enough.