The stakes couldn't have been higher for England in their crucial T20 World Cup 2024 match against Oman on Friday, June 14. Playing at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, it was a do-or-die situation for England. They rose to the occasion with a dominant performance, dismantling Oman's batting line-up and securing a resounding eight-wicket victory. England's decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke. Their bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood, were unplayable. Each of them ripped through the Omani batting order, restricting them to a meager total of just 47 runs. This impressive bowling feat by the English trio also etched their names in history. It became the first instance where three bowlers from the same team took three or more wickets in a single innings of the Men's T20 World Cup. While Archer, Wood took three wickets each, Rashid picked four scalps.
Oman's score of 47 was a proof to England's bowling dominance. It marked the fourth-lowest score ever recorded by a team in the entire history of the Men's T20 World Cup. Interestingly, the dubious record for the lowest score still belongs to the Netherlands, who were dismissed for a mere 39 runs by Sri Lanka back in 2014. Just last week, Uganda also suffered a similar fate, managing only 39 runs against the West Indies. Another instance worth mentioning is the Netherlands again, who were skittled out for 44 runs by Sri Lanka in the 2021 edition of the tournament.
Phil Salt creates history
England's dominant victory over Oman in the T20 World Cup 2024 wasn't just about the overall win. Opener Phil Salt etched his name in the record books during the chase of a paltry 48-run target. Tasked with securing a quick win to improve their net run rate, England started aggressively. Salt, known for his explosive batting style, lived up to his reputation by launching two consecutive sixes off the very first two balls bowled by Oman's Bilal Khan.
However, Salt's fiery knock was short-lived. Bilal Khan, unfazed by the early onslaught, dismissed him with a well-directed delivery. Despite the quick dismissal, Salt had already achieved a rare feat. He became the first player ever in international cricket to hit sixes off the first two balls of a team's innings.
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time such a feat had occurred in men's T20 Internationals. In 2022, Tanzania's Ivan Selemani achieved the same distinction against Rwanda's Martin Akayezu. However, Salt's record stands out for being the first in a major international tournament like the T20 World Cup.
Awais Ahmed of Spain also made headlines when he struck back-to-back sixes following a no-ball delivered by Joseph Burrows, during their pursuit of 11 runs against the Isle of Man in 2023.
Dominant England Crush Oman, Set T20 World Cup Record
England thrashed Oman in a one-sided affair at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday. Captain Jos Buttler led the charge with a blazing 24 runs off just 8 balls, helping England chase down a paltry target of 48 in a mere 3.1 overs. This victory wasn't just about winning, it was historic! England set a new T20 World Cup record for the biggest win by balls remaining. With 101 balls unused, they surpassed Sri Lanka's previous record of 90 balls against the Netherlands in 2014.
But that's not all, this win also marks the largest victory for any Full Member team in men's T20 Internationals, eclipsing Sri Lanka's 90-ball win once again. England's dominance even puts them in the top ten for most balls remaining in any men's T20I match.
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