The USA cricket team made history by defending just 122 runs—the lowest total ever successfully defended in a full men’s ODI—to secure a stunning 57-run victory over Oman in the tri-series final. This record-breaking feat shattered India’s long-standing milestone and propelled USA to the top of the ICC World Cup League 2 standings.

On a spinning minefield in Al-Amarat, where the ball turned square from the first over, USA’s spinners produced a masterclass. Nosthush Kenjige recorded a career-best 5 for 11, while Milind Kumar’s composed 47 off 82 balls* provided a crucial anchor in a low-scoring thriller. Such was the dominance of spin that not a single fast bowler was used across 70 overs of play.

USA’s Batting Struggles on a Tough Surface

Batting first, USA’s innings began on a disastrous note. Smit Patel’s poor form continued as he fell in the first over, mistiming a shot to cover. In a surprise tactical move, left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh was promoted to No. 3 to counter the conditions. He briefly showed intent with a towering six but perished soon after, miscuing an attacking stroke.

Monank Patel departed for a 10-ball duck, bowled by a beauty from Aamir Kaleem that pitched on leg and clipped the top of off stump. Andries Gous and Sai Teja Mukkamalla also fell cheaply, leaving USA reeling inside the powerplay.

Amid the chaos, Milind Kumar stood tall. The experienced batter played a fighting knock, using his feet brilliantly to smother the spin and ensure USA reached a respectable 122. Small contributions from Aaron Jones and Sanjay Krishnamurthy helped, but the lower order collapsed quickly, leaving Milind stranded just short of a well-deserved half-century.

Kenjige Leads USA’s Sensational Fightback

Chasing 123, Oman started with aggression. Captain Jatinder Singh signaled his intent with a switch hit that raced to the boundary. However, his aggression proved costly when Nosthush Kenjige pulled off a stunning diving catch to dismiss him off Milind Kumar’s bowling.

The very next over, Sanjay Krishnamurthy produced an even better catch, sending Aamir Kaleem back and leaving Oman rocked early.

Hammad Mirza and Hashir Dafedar attempted to stabilize the innings, but USA’s spinners tightened their grip. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source—leg-spinner Yasir Mohammed, playing his first game of the series, cleaned up Dafedar with a sharp turning delivery. He then trapped Sufyan Mehmood with a deceptive wrong ‘un, triggering a stunning collapse.

From 50 for 3, Oman completely unraveled, losing their last seven wickets for just 15 runs. Mirza fought hard for his 29, but once Kenjige deceived him with flight and turn, the match was as good as over. The left-arm spinner then ripped through the lower order, taking five wickets in just 18 balls to bowl Oman out for 65.

USA Tops World Cup League 2 Standings

With this historic victory, the USA now leads the ICC World Cup League 2 standings with 22 points, while Oman trails in second place with 18. This record-breaking performance further strengthens USA’s reputation as a rising force in international cricket and highlights their dominance on turning tracks.