MUSCAT: In a pulsating Super Six encounter, Oman inched closer to T20 World Cup qualification with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Monday.

The win marked Oman’s fourth successive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia/EAP Qualifier and also avenged their Asia Cup defeat to the UAE last month.

The match boiled down to a spectacular finish, with Oman needing 29 runs from the last three overs. It was 25-year-old Nadeem Khan who emerged as the hero, producing a blistering 30 off 16 balls, including three towering sixes and two boundaries. He dramatically shifted the momentum with two massive sixes off Zahid Ali in the 18th over, reducing the equation to 17 runs from 12 balls.

In the penultimate over, Junaid Siddique of UAE conceded just five runs, leaving 12 needed off the final over. Muhammad Arfan was entrusted to defend, but Nadeem delivered a masterclass under pressure. After a wide and a dot from Arfan, Nadeem struck a crisp four, followed by a booming six over mid-off, before stealing a single to fine leg, completing a sensational victory as the hosts crossed the line at 113/5 in 19.4 overs. With a wicket to his credit and invaluable unbeaten 30, he was deservedly named Player of the match.

Oman’s chase was anchored by a strong start from Jatinder Singh (33 off 23) and Aamir Kaleem (14 off 21), who shared a 43-run opening stand in the powerplay. Wickets fell at regular intervals once the duo departed, including Mohammad Nadeem (14 off 28) and Hammad Mirza (14 off 20), but Nadeem Khan’s late blitz ensured Oman held their nerve.

Batting first, the UAE posted a below-par 112/7 in 20 overs. Disaster struck early when Jonathan Figy was dismissed first ball by Shah Faisal, caught by Aryan Bisht. Skipper Muhammad Waseem (22 off 35) tried to steady the innings but fell to Sufyan Mehmood, leaving UAE struggling. Contributions from Alishan Sharafu (8 off 6) and Muhammad Arfan (17 off 15) offered fleeting momentum, while Harshit Kaushik (19 off 18) and Dhruv Parashar (17 off 20) fell to sharp fielding — Kaushik run out from a throw by Aamir Kaleem, Parashar run out from keeper Vinayak Shukla. Zahid Ali’s unbeaten 18 off 12 balls pushed UAE past 110.

Oman’s bowlers were consistently effective. Shakeel Ahmed (1/13) was the pick of the attack for his economy, while Sufyan Mehmood (1/20), Nadeem Khan (1/21), Jiten Ramanandi (1/19) and Shah Faisal (1/28) all struck at key moments to stifle UAE’s progress.

With two Super Six matches remaining — against Nepal on Wednesday and Japan on Friday — Oman continues to inch closer to World Cup qualification, riding a wave of confidence, composure, and a team capable of delivering in high-pressure moments.

Brief scores: UAE 112/7 (Muhammad Waseem 22, Harshit Kaushik 19, Zahid Ali 18; Shakeel Ahmed 1/13, Nadeem Khan 1/21, Jitenkumar Ramanandi 1/19, Shah Faisal 1/28, Sufyan Mehmood 1/20) lost to Oman 113/5 in 19.4 overs (Jatinder Singh 33, Nadeem Khan 30; Harshit Kaushik 1/15, Zahid Ali 1/15).