Oman set ODI record by bowling out Namibia with only spin

Oman achieved an unprecedented feat yesterday in their ICC World Cup League 2 match against Namibia in Al Amerat, becoming the first team in ODI history to bowl out an opposition using only spinners.

Employing five spinners throughout their 33.1-over bowling innings, Oman dismissed Namibia for just 96. Left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed led the attack with figures of 4-25, while off-spinner Jay Odedra and left-arm orthodox Aamir Kaleem took two wickets apiece.

Despite having a medium pacer, Sufyan Mehmood, in the playing XI, captain Jatinder Singh opted not to utilise him at any stage.

This match now holds the record for the longest all-spin innings in a completed men's ODI, surpassing the USA's previous record. The USA had bowled 5.2 overs of spin up front while defending a meagre 36 against Nepal on 12 February 2020 in Kirtipur—also a World Cup League 2 match—which they lost by eight wickets. The only two previous instances of all-spin innings in women's ODIs also came in unsuccessful defences of sub-100 totals.

Unlike those matches, Oman's encounter with Namibia was a closely contested affair. Chasing 97, Oman stumbled but ultimately secured victory by two wickets, reaching 100-8 in 22.4 overs.