UAE Crush Oman by 25 Runs in ICC CWC League 2 as Waseem’s Direct Hit Seals Dominant Victory

Key facts

• UAE defeated Oman by 25 runs in Match 99 of the ICC CWC League 2 on April 27, 2026, at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.
• In the 7th Match, Group A on September 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE won via a direct-hit run-out by Muhammad Waseem.
• UAE’s innings in Match 102 saw them post 254 all out in 39.5 overs, with Shakeel Ahmed top-scoring with 239 runs.
• Oman’s chase in Match 102 ended at 306 for 8 in 46.4 overs, with Harpreet Singh making 267 runs.
• Muhammad Waseem’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end in the Abu Dhabi match left the batter ‘not even in the frame’.
• UAE’s victory in Kirtipur was built on a 25-run margin, with Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar bowling tight final overs.

Hosts Open Account with Commanding Display

The United Arab Emirates registered their first points of the ICC CWC League 2 with a thumping victory over Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 15, 2025. The win, achieved in the 7th Match of Group A, was defined by a moment of brilliance from captain Muhammad Waseem, whose direct hit from mid-off ran out the non-striker before he could ground his bat. The batter was not even in the frame as the hosts outclassed Oman in every department. The result marked a decisive turnaround for UAE, who had struggled to convert starts into wins earlier in the tournament. Oman, by contrast, were left to rue a batting collapse that saw them lose wickets at regular intervals after a promising opening stand.

Two Matches, Two UAE Triumphs

The September victory was not an isolated result. In Match 99 of the same league, played on April 27, 2026, at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, UAE defeated Oman by 25 runs. The match saw UAE set a challenging total before their bowlers, led by Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar, defended it with precision. Siddique bowled a tight 44th over, conceding just one run and a wide, while Kumar followed with a similar over in the 45th, allowing only one run. The disciplined bowling ensured Oman fell short despite a late surge from Shah Faisal, who remained unbeaten on 1 run off 6 balls.

Key Performers and Match Milestones

In the earlier encounter, Match 102 of the ICC CWC League 2 2023-27, UAE batted first and were bowled out for 254 in 39.5 overs. The innings featured a record-breaking 239-run partnership between Shakeel Ahmed and Nadeem Khan, with Ahmed scoring 239 runs before being dismissed by Muhammed Imran. Oman’s chase saw Harpreet Singh anchor the innings with 267 runs, but the required rate proved too steep as they were restricted to 306 for 8 in 46.4 overs. The match in Abu Dhabi saw a different batting order, with UAE posting a competitive total before Waseem’s fielding heroics. The direct-hit run-out was the defining moment, but the hosts’ overall performance—sharp in the field, disciplined with the ball—was equally responsible for the comprehensive win.

Oman’s Struggles Against UAE’s All-Round Game

Across both matches, Oman’s batting showed vulnerability against UAE’s varied attack. In Kirtipur, the loss of early wickets—including that of Vinayak Shukla for no run off Ajay Kumar—undermined their chase. In Abu Dhabi, the run-out of a set batsman triggered a middle-order collapse from which they never recovered. UAE’s bowling unit, featuring a mix of pace and spin, consistently applied pressure. Junaid Siddique’s ability to bowl dot balls in the death overs and Ajay Kumar’s economical spells were instrumental in both victories. The hosts also fielded with intensity, saving runs and creating chances that Oman could not counter.

Implications for the League Standings

The two wins have propelled UAE up the ICC CWC League 2 table, giving them crucial points in the race for a spot in the 2027 World Cup. For Oman, the defeats are a setback, leaving them with ground to make up in the remaining fixtures. The league, which runs from 2023 to 2027, features 32 matches per team, and every result carries significant weight. UAE’s victories also boost their net run rate, a key tiebreaker in the tightly contested competition. With several matches still to play, the team will look to build on this momentum, while Oman must regroup and address the batting frailties that have cost them dearly.

What Lies Ahead for Both Teams

UAE will next face higher-ranked opponents in the league, and their recent form suggests they can compete with any side. The team’s depth—evident in the contributions of players like Shakeel Ahmed, Muhammad Waseem, and Junaid Siddique—gives them a balanced unit capable of adapting to different conditions. Oman, meanwhile, have a chance to reset before their next assignment. The team’s batting lineup, which includes experienced players like Harpreet Singh and Aryan Bisht, has the talent to recover. But they will need to show greater resilience under pressure, particularly in the middle overs, to avoid further slip-ups.

The bottom line

• UAE defeated Oman in two separate ICC CWC League 2 matches: by a direct-hit run-out in Abu Dhabi (Sept 2025) and by 25 runs in Kirtipur (April 2026).
• Muhammad Waseem’s direct hit from mid-off in the Abu Dhabi match was the highlight, leaving the batter run out without grounding his bat.
• Shakeel Ahmed scored 239 runs in Match 102, forming a 239-run partnership with Nadeem Khan to propel UAE to 254 all out.
• Oman’s Harpreet Singh made 267 runs in the same match, but his efforts were in vain as UAE bowled them out for 306.
• Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar bowled economical death overs in Kirtipur, conceding just 2 runs in the final two overs to seal the win.
• The victories give UAE their first points of the tournament and improve their net run rate, while Oman face an uphill battle to stay in contention.