MUSCAT : Oman’s wait to secure the fourth and final berth in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers will continue after they suffered a 106-run defeat against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

Chasing a daunting target of 372, Oman were bowled out for 265 in 49.3 overs despite fighting contributions from Jatinder Singh and Zikria Islam. The defeat leaves Oman needing a victory to confirm their qualification, with three more matches remaining in their League 2 campaign. Their next assignment is against the UAE on October 29.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, produced a commanding batting performance to post 371/5 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by centuries from Bas de Leede and Cedric de Lange.

De Leede remained unbeaten on a magnificent 145 off 110 balls, striking 14 fours and five sixes, while De Lange scored 102 off 91 deliveries, including eight fours and a six. Their centuries laid the foundation for a formidable total that ultimately proved beyond Oman’s reach.

Max O’Dowd provided the Dutch with an aggressive start, scoring 63 off 46 balls as he and De Lange put together a 102-run opening partnership. Although Oman found some respite through Aryan Bisht, who claimed two wickets for 32 runs, De Leede’s innings ensured the Netherlands maintained control throughout.

Michael Levitt added further impetus towards the end with an unbeaten 29 off 19 balls, taking the Dutch past the 370-run mark. Samay Shrivastava was among Oman’s more economical bowlers, returning figures of 1/46 from 10 overs, while Bisht finished with two wickets.

In reply, Oman needed to sustain a demanding scoring rate from the outset. Jatinder offered resistance with 67 off 76 balls, but the Netherlands kept the pressure on through regular breakthroughs.

Zikria Islam gave Oman a late burst of hope with an explosive 77 off just 46 deliveries, hitting five fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 167.39. His counter-attack briefly lifted the chase, but the Dutch bowling attack ensured Oman could not mount a serious challenge for victory.

Zach Lion-Cachet was instrumental in restricting Oman, claiming 3/43, while Aryan Dutt also took three wickets for 51 runs. Daniel Doram chipped in with two wickets as the Netherlands bowled Oman out for 265 in 49.3 overs to seal a convincing win.

Brief scores: Netherlands 371/5 in 50 overs (Bas de Leede 145*, Cedric de Lange 102, Max O’Dowd 63; Aryan Bisht 2/32, Samay Shrivastava 1/46) beat Oman 265 all out in 49.3 overs (Zikria Islam 77, Jatinder Singh 67; Zach Lion-Cachet 3/43, Aryan Dutt 3/51, Daniel Doram 2/51).