By Anas Ahmed 
Oman Off to a Confident Start
Oman kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 campaign in style, registering a five-wicket victory over Samoa at Al Amarat on Wednesday. It was a well-rounded display from the hosts, led by a disciplined bowling unit that restricted Samoa to just 92/9 in 20 overs, before comfortably chasing the target with 18 balls to spare.
Dominant Bowling Display
Winning the toss and opting to field, Oman’s bowlers took immediate control. Shah Faisal, named Player of the Match, struck twice early to reduce Samoa to 7/2. His spell of 2/12 in 4 overs set the tone for the innings.
Veteran Mohammad Nadeem (2/15) and Aamir Kaleem (2/18) maintained relentless pressure in the middle overs, while Nadeem Khan and Hassnain Shah chipped in with a wicket each.
Despite a brief resistance from Ross Taylor (22 off 28) and Fereti Suluoto (22 off 16), Samoa struggled to find any rhythm and finished on 92/9, failing to capitalize on the last few overs.
Steady Chase by Oman
Chasing a modest 93, Oman’s top order kept their composure. Ashish Odedara (15) and Hammad Mirza (18) provided a steady start before Mohammad Nadeem (21 not out) guided the team home.
Samoa’s Saumani Tiai (2/13) and Solomon Nash (1/9) bowled with heart, but their efforts couldn’t prevent a clinical Omani chase as the hosts reached 96/5 in 17 overs.
With this win, Oman picked up two crucial points to begin their Group C campaign.
Brief Scores
Samoa: 92/9 (Ross Taylor 22, Fereti Suluoto 22; Shah Faisal 2/12, Mohammad Nadeem 2/15)
Oman: 96/5 in 17 overs (Mohammad Nadeem 21*, Hammad Mirza 18; Saumani Tiai 2/13)
Result: Oman won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Shah Faisal (Oman)
FAQ: Oman vs Samoa T20 Qualifier 2025
Q: Who won the Oman vs Samoa T20 match?
A: Oman defeated Samoa by five wickets at Al Amarat.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Oman’s Shah Faisal, for his figures of 2/12.
Q: What was Samoa’s total score?
A: Samoa managed 92/9 in their 20 overs.
Q: How many overs did Oman take to chase the target?
A: Oman chased down 93 in 17 overs, winning comfortably.
Q: What’s next for Oman in the Qualifier?
A: Oman will face tougher Group C opponents as they push for qualification to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.