The Kerala cricket team began its Oman tour on a winning note at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Monday. The visiting Kerala side led by Mohammed Azharudden recorded a four-wicket win over the Oman Chariman’s XI side in a high-scoring match.
Batting first, the Oman Chairman’s XI scored 326 runs in 50 overs on the back of a strong start laid out by captain Jatinder Singh and fellow opener Aamir Kaleem. In reply, Kerala reached the target with five balls to spare after the chase was anchored by a quick-fire century from opener Rohan Kunnummal and backed up by half-centuries from Salman Nizar and Shoun Roger.
While Kunnummal went blazing with 12 fours and four maximums, Nizar racked up 87 off 91 balls, continuing his splendid from the 2024-25 domestic season where he emerged as one of Kerala’s highest run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy during the run to their maiden final. After Roger chipped in with a 56 off 48 balls, the finishing touches were put up by Akshay Manohar’s unbeaten 19 off 12 balls.
Earlier, Jatinder Singh and Kaleem put together a 137-run stand for the opening wicket. Skipper Jatinder notched up a hefty 150 off 136 balls with 11 fours and three sixes, while Kaleem contributed 73 runs from 68 balls. However, after Aamir’s dismissal, the subsequent Omani batters couldn’t maintain the momentum. Kerala’s bowlers made a strong comeback, with M D Nidheesh and Eden Tom being the standout performers, each taking four wickets.
The teams will square off in three more ODIs. Kerala are without the likes of Sanju Samson, Sachin Baby, and Vishnu Vinod who are unavailable due to their 2025 commitments.
Brief scores: Oman 326 in 50 overs (Jatinder Singh 150, Aamir Kaleem 73, Vinayak Shukla 29, MD Nidheesh 4/53, Edhen Apple Tom 4/65) lost to Kerala 329/6 in 49.1 overs (Rohan Kunnummal 122, Salman Nizar 87, Shoun Roger 56, Hussnain Ali Shah 4/50) by four wickets.
