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In a dramatic contest at Al Amerat, the USA cricket team pulled off an extraordinary victory in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, successfully defending the lowest totals in One Day International (ODI) history. After being dismissed for just 122 runs, USA’s bowlers turned the match on its head, bundling Oman out for a mere 65 to secure a remarkable 57-run win. The match, dominated by spin bowling, will be remembered as one of the most unique and historic ODIs ever played.
USA shatters Team India’s old record
With this victory, USA broke a 39-year-old record held by Team India for defending the lowest total in a full ODI. India previously set the benchmark in 1985 when they defended 125 runs against Pakistan. However, USA’s disciplined and strategic bowling effort has now rewritten the history books, setting a new record by defending an even smaller total of 122. This achievement underscores USA’s growing strength in international cricket and highlights their ability to thrive under pressure.
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Spinners’ magic in Al Amerat
The game saw an unprecedented reliance on spin, as all nine bowlers used in the match were spinners. This made it the first completed men’s ODI where no pacer was deployed, showcasing the dominance of slow bowling. In total, 19 wickets fell to spin, equaling the record set in a Bangladesh-Pakistan ODI in 2011. Nosthush Kenjige was the standout performer, delivering a sensational spell of 5 for 11 to lead USA’s charge. Oman had no answers to USA’s spin web, collapsing in just 25.3 overs.
Historical significance of the game
This contest now ranks as one of the lowest-scoring ODIs in history, with a combined total of just 187 runs across 61 overs. It stands as the second-lowest aggregate in a completed ODI where both teams were bowled out, trailing only a 2014 India-Bangladesh encounter that produced 163 runs. Al Amerat has proven to be a challenging venue for batters, as every team batting first against Oman in this tournament has struggled to post competitive totals, failing to cross 170 runs in all eight matches.
