USA and Oman become a part of the ODI family

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to restrict the World Cup members to only 10, they are growing the game by adding color to the ODI fraternity. The ongoing World Cricket League tournament in Namibia offered four spots for the ODI status. Two of them have been sealed by Oman and the United States of America.

The ICC World Cricket League Division Two 2019 features six teams. Top four teams will join Nepal, Scotland and UAE in the Cricket World Cup League 2. Oman, with four wins from four matches, has confirmed its place in the league. The USA has also won three matches and shall remain in top four regardless of the last game.

Against Hong Kong, former West Indies Test player Xavier Marshall struck a scintillating hundred at the top. Steven Taylor supported him with a solid 88 and helped the side post 280/8 in 50 overs. Ali Khan then removed Hong Kong’s prominent batsman Anshuman Rath early and punctured their chances. Hong Kong fell short by 84 runs and the USA picked up their third win thus sealing the ODI status.

Oman defeated hosts Namibia on the same day to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Batting first, Namibia stumbled to 98/7. JJ Smit and Zane Green added 103 runs for the eighth wicket. Smit scored a counter-attacking 60 which helped the team post a defendable total. Sandeep Goud struck his career-best unbeaten 57 to secure a famous win for Oman. The nation will join six other teams at the Cricket World Cup League 2.

Last three matches of the World Cricket League Division will be played on 26th April. Fates of Namibia, Hong Kong, Canada and Papua New Guinea shall be decided by these encounters. Namibia is favorite with two wins while the other three nations have only one win in their account.