By News Editor 
Oman registered an emphatic 8-wicket win over Canada in the Canada T20 Tri-Series 2024, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by captain Aqib Ilyas. Held at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground, King City, Oman chased down Canada’s modest total of 106 in just 15 overs. The match saw Ilyas deliver a match-winning performance both with bat and ball, cementing his status as one of Oman’s key players.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Oman’s bowlers backed up their captain’s decision with a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Canada to a below-par score of 106. Ilyas not only picked up two key wickets but also anchored the chase with a crucial half-century, guiding Oman to a comfortable win.
Key Highlights and Records:
- Aqib Ilyas was the standout performer for Oman, scoring a vital 53 off 46 balls and taking 2/20 with the ball. His all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Canada’s early collapse saw them lose three wickets in the first six overs, including their captain Navneet Dhaliwal for a golden duck. Nicholas Kirton tried to stabilize the innings with a 18 off 21 knock, but regular fall of wickets hindered Canada’s progress.
- Oman’s bowling attack was clinical, with Kaleemullah (2/17), Fayyaz Butt (2/21), and Aqib Ilyas (2/20) leading the charge. The Canadian batters were unable to build partnerships, with the highest individual score being 15 by Saad Bin Zafar.
- In reply, Aqib Ilyas anchored Oman’s chase with a composed half-century. Though Kashyap Prajapati (13 off 11) fell early, Ilyas and Shoaib Khan (30* off 31) formed a solid partnership to ensure a comfortable win with 30 balls to spare.
- Dilon Heyliger (1/17) was the pick of the Canadian bowlers, but the total they were defending was far too low to trouble the Oman batters
Key Moments:
- Canada’s early collapse: Losing Navneet Dhaliwal on the first ball of the innings set the tone for Canada’s struggles. They were reeling at 32/4 inside the powerplay, a position from which they never fully recovered.
- Aqib Ilyas’ all-round brilliance: With the ball, Ilyas dismissed both Shreyas Movva and Harsh Thaker, pivotal wickets that disrupted Canada’s middle order. He then followed it up with a composed 53 off 46 to anchor Oman’s chase.
- Oman’s clinical chase: Despite a few early jitters, Oman’s batters paced their chase perfectly. Ilyas led from the front, and Shoaib Khan’s unbeaten 30 off 31 helped Oman sail past the target without much trouble.
Brief Scores:
Canada: 106 all out in 19.5 overs (Nicholas Kirton 18, Saad Bin Zafar 15; Kaleemullah 2/17, Aqib Ilyas 2/20)
Oman: 107/2 in 15 overs (Aqib Ilyas 53, Shoaib Khan 30*; Dilon Heyliger 1/17)
Result: Oman won by 8 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Aqib Ilyas (Oman) – 53 off 46 balls & 2/20
Oman’s comprehensive victory over Canada in this tri-series encounter was a testament to their all-round strength. Aqib Ilyas stood tall as the match-winner, contributing in all aspects of the game. Canada will need to regroup and reassess their strategies as they move forward in the series, while Oman can take confidence from this dominant display.