Both Oman and the USA has finally got the ODI status and a spot in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 after their respective wins over Namibia and Hong Kong. However, Oman’s passage to ODI status had already been confirmed earlier in the day when Canada downed Papua New Guinea (PNG), but they finished the job in style anyway as Sandeep Goud’s unbeaten half-century defeated Namibia.

Both Oman and the USA joined Scotland, Nepal and the UAE in League 2, wherein the period of next two-and-a-half years, they will play 36 ODIs ahead of the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. In a very competitive and exciting tournament, Canada kept hopes alive with their first win of the week over PNG, with four teams still fighting for the remaining two spots.

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Oman secured their ODI status after the close victory over Namibia that owing to the performance from Sandeep Goud. Having won the toss and electing to field, Oman looked right on top from the outset as Zeeshan Maqsood (2-27) and Khawar Ali (2-23) took early wickets. At 98 for seven, Namibia’s chances looked over but Zane Green (46) and JJ Smit shared an impressive 103-run partnership for the ninth wicket to lift the hosts to a competitive total of 213/9. 

Smit starred with 60 and in reply, Oman’s win came under some serious threat as Jan Frylinck (3-34) led the way for the Namibian bowlers. But Suraj Kumar’s half-century kept Oman on track before Goud (57 not out) and Fayyaz Butt got them over the line with four wickets and five balls to spare.

On the other hand, Xavier Marshall got back his form at just the right time as his century confirmed USA’s ODI status and helped see off Hong Kong on Wednesday. He scored a century and was ably supported by Steven Taylor’s 88 as the USA, having been put in by their opponents, amassed a total of 280 for eight from their 50 overs.

That always looked like being beyond Hong Kong, for whom Kinchit Shah impressed with in his all-around effort which went in vain. Shah took a 4-fer in the USA’s innings and then top-scored with 45 in Hong Kong’s reply but the going was tough as Karima Gore (2-49) led a balanced bowling effort for the Americans.

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Hong Kong was always behind the required rate and while Aizaz Khan (35*) and Ehsan Khan (31*) did their best, they ended up 84 runs short in Windhoek and might well need to beat Namibia in their final game if they are to secure a top-four finish.