Sport

Ireland suffer shock defeat to Oman in World Cup qualifying opener

The win was Oman’s first over a Test nation in a one-day international

Kashyap Prajapati led a superb run chase as Oman earned a shock five-wicket victory over Irelan. Photograph: Ben Whitley/Inpho
Kashyap Prajapati led a superb run chase as Oman earned a shock five-wicket victory over Irelan. Photograph: Ben Whitley/Inpho
Mon Jun 19 2023 - 20:25

Kashyap Prajapati led a superb run chase as Oman earned a shock five-wicket victory over Ireland in their opening World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe.

George Dockrell’s career-best 91 helped Ireland set a victory target of 282 and half-centuries from Prajapati (72), Aqib Ilyas (52) and Zeeshan Maqsood (59) ensured Oman reached it.

Andy McBrine and Paul Stirling opened with a 51-run partnership after Ireland had been put in but two wickets in as many balls from Fayyaz Butt and Bilal Khan checked their progress.

The efforts of Dockrell and Harry Tector (52) helped lift Ireland to 281 for seven from their 50 overs.

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Oman lost Jatinder Singh cheaply but they had reached 103 before losing another wicket and although Josh Little dismissed Prajapati and captain Maqsood (59), Mohammed Nadeem and Shoaib Khan ensured they got over the line.

The success, with 11 balls to spare, was Oman’s first victory over a Test nation in a one-day international.