MUSCAT : Oman went down fighting in a thrilling finish against Kuwait, suffering their first defeat of the ongoing ACC Men’s Premier Cup after Bilal Tahir’s unbeaten century guided Kuwait to a four-wicket victory with just two balls to spare in their Group B encounter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Oman, defending a competitive 252/8, made Kuwait work hard for every run after reducing their opponents to 37/3 inside the opening 10 overs. But Tahir stood firm under pressure, producing a superb unbeaten 103 to steer Kuwait to 256/6 in 49.4 overs.

For Oman, it was a frustrating end to a contest in which they had fought their way to a challenging total and then twice put themselves in a strong position with the ball. In the end, Tahir’s composure in the closing stages proved decisive.

Oman’s innings was built around useful contributions through the middle order, with Jiten Ramanandi providing the biggest individual score. He struck 53 from 55 balls, including four fours and two sixes, after reaching his half-century from 44 deliveries.

Oman made a steady start, reaching 47/2 after 10 overs. Karan Sonavale (43) and Hammad Mirza (22) then added 50 to rebuild the innings and take Oman beyond the early setbacks.

The hosts passed 100 in the 21st over and moved beyond 150 in the 31st, but Kuwait continued to chip away at the batting order. Mohamed Shafeeq claimed 3/56 from his 10 overs, while Abdullah Zaheer returned 3/54, including a maiden.

Oman reached 200 in 42.3 overs before Jay Odedra (39) and Shakeel Ahmed (22) added another important 50-run partnership to push the total towards the 250 mark. Oman eventually finished on 252/8 from their 50 overs, leaving Kuwait with a demanding chase.

And Oman appeared to have seized control early in the reply.

Kuwait slumped to 37/3 during the powerplay, giving Oman a major opening in the defence. But Tahir and Mohammed Aslam Nawfer refused to allow the pressure to build further.

The pair added 50 from 67 balls, with Aslam reaching his half-century from 62 deliveries. He eventually fell for a valuable 62 from 77 balls, having struck six fours.

Tahir, meanwhile, remained the constant presence at the crease. He reached his fifty from 61 balls and continued to anchor the chase as Kuwait moved to 150 in 32.6 overs and 200 in 41.5.

With the asking rate beginning to climb, Oman continued to stay in the contest, but Tahir found another crucial partner in Yasin Patel. Their 50-run stand came from just 46 balls and shifted the momentum back towards Kuwait.

Tahir completed his century from 103 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes, and his unbeaten innings under mounting pressure ultimately proved the difference.

Kuwait crossed 250 after 49.1 overs before completing the chase at 256/6 in 49.4 overs.

Tahir finished unbeaten on 103 from 106 balls as Kuwait secured a dramatic victory.

Shah Faisal and Jay Odedra took two wickets each while Shakeel Ahmed and Nadeem Khan had a wicket apiece.

Following Kuwait’s win, UAE, Oman and Kuwait have all four points with UAE having a game in their hand.

Oman conclude their group engagements with a match against the UAE on September 8, Tuesday.

Brief scores: Oman: 252/8 (Jiten Ramanandi 53, Karan Sonavale 43, Jay Odedra 39 retd out; Mohamed Shafeeq 3/56, Abdullah Zaheer 3/54) lost to Kuwait: 256/6 in 49.4 overs (Bilal Tahir 103 not out, Mohammed Aslam Nawfer 62, Yasin Patel 37; Shah Faisa;l 2/37, Jay Odedra 2/41).