ACC Trophy Challenge 2009

Final - Oman vs Bhutan

Match: Final - Oman vs Bhutan

Played At: Prem Oval, Chiang Mai

Date: 21st January 2009

Toss Won by: Bhutan (Elected to Field)

Umpires: Ashwani Kumar Rana & Muhammad Kamruzzaman

Match Referee: Steve Potter

Scorers: Helen Green & -

Weather Conditions: Cool and Clear

CAT Match Report

Report on Bhutan v Oman ACC Trophy Challenge Final

Oman who have looked the strongest team throughout the competition duly won the ACC Trophy Challenge 2009 by defeating Bhutan by 213 runs in the final at Prem Centre, Chiang Mai.

Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first hoping no doubt to put pressure on a strong batting line up with their varied bowling attack, but the move backfired as Oman scored a mighty 322 for 9 in their 50 overs.

The openers took 27 from the first two overs, Maqsood Hussain hitting two fours and a six in his 14 from six balls. Adnan Ilyas  made a blistering 138 from 118 balls with 19 fours and four sixes, sharing a second wicket partnership of 94 with Vaibhav Wategaonkar who made 24, as Oman’s run-rate remained above seven an over for the first 20 overs.

Adnan Ilyas became the third man to make a century in the competition and finished with 282 runs at an average of 94.00 before he was bowled by leg-spinner Jigme Singhe. The Bhutan spinners took a lot of punishment, but each took two wickets apiece as off-spinner Dampo claimed 13 wickets in the tournament to finish as leading wicket-taker.

Awal Khan made an unbeaten 32 to make sure Oman used up their full 50 overs and set Bhutan a frightening target. Opening bowler Lobzang Yonten returned the best figures for Bhutan with two for 56.

Bhutan batted bravely but could not deal with the quality of the Oman bowling attack. They were finally dismissed for 109 in 42.1 overs, Kumar Subba scoring 40, as he batted for 34 overs before being eighth out. Hemal Mehta took three for 22 and Awal Khan three for 27.

Bhutan never gave up when they were bowling and they showed great determination to bat for as long as they could, even the last pair resisting for four overs, before Tandin Wangchuk was last out for 14 as Oman became the first winners of the ACC Trophy Challenge by 213 runs.

Oman and Bhutan are both promoted to the ACC Trophy Elite Division, and while Bhutan were clearly outplayed in the final by an extremely powerful Oman team who will soon be taking part in the World Cup qualifying tournament in South Africa, they have made wonderful progress in this competition and fully deserved the Spirit of Cricket award.

Otherwise, Oman swept the board at the awards ceremony that followed the final.
Adnan Ilyas was made man of the match for his innings of 138 and was also batsman of the tournament after finishing as leading run-scorer.

Fearsome opening bowler Farhan Khan was made bowler of the tournament after taking 10 wickets at hostile pace, and captain Hemal Mehta was named overall player of the tournament for his all-round contribution as captain of the outstanding team in the competition.

Oman 322 for 9 (50 overs) (Adnan Ilyas 138, Awal Khan 32*, Sultan Ahmed 27, Vaibhav Wategaonkar 24; Lobzang Yonten 2-56, Dampo 2-68, Jigme Singye 2-76)

Bhutan 109 (42.1 overs) (Kumar Subba 40; Hemal Mehta 3-22, Awal Khan 3-27, Haider Ali 2-32)

Oman won by 213 runs

Man of the Match: Adnan Ilyas (Oman)

Full Scorecard

Photos

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