Muscat – Oman women scripted a landmark chapter in their cricket history on Sunday, securing a maiden place in the knockout stage of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup after a commanding 44-run victory over the Philippines in their final Group B match in Bangi, Malaysia.

In the four previous editions of the tournament, starting from 2018, Oman had failed to advance to the knockout rounds.

The result ensured Oman finished second in Group B behind the UAE and advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history. While the UAE still have a match in hand, their superior net run rate guarantees top spot in the group.

After being put into bat, Oman posted a competitive 141 for six from their 20 overs, built around another assured contribution from the in-form Jayadhanyha Gunasekar and a fluent top-score from Fiza Javed.

Jayadhanyha continued her impressive run in the tournament with 37 off 38 balls, striking five boundaries. She first added 31 runs for the opening wicket with Nitya Joshi (13) before combining with Fiza in a crucial 46-run second-wicket partnership that laid the platform for a challenging total.

Fiza then took charge of the innings, scoring a brisk 43 off 35 deliveries, including four boundaries. Her innings helped Oman maintain momentum through the middle overs and she was also involved in a valuable 30-run stand with captain Priyanka Mendonsa (7).

With wickets falling towards the end, Amanda D Costa provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 16 from 14 balls as Oman crossed the 140-mark. The innings was further boosted by 20 extras conceded by the Philippines.

Defending 141, Oman’s bowlers produced one of their most disciplined displays of the competition. The Philippines struggled to keep pace with the required rate as Oman tightened their grip throughout the chase.

Amanda D Costa led the charge, completing an outstanding all-round performance by claiming four wickets for just 21 to derail the Philippines batting line-up. Her incisive spell ensured Oman remained firmly in control as the opposition fell well short of the target.

The comprehensive victory not only sealed qualification but also underlined the growing progress of Oman’s women’s programme on the continental stage.

With confidence high and momentum on their side, Oman will now look to carry their impressive form into the knockout rounds as they seek to extend their memorable ACC Women’s Premier Cup campaign.

Brief scores: Oman 141/6 (Jayadhanya Gunasekar 37, Nitya Joshi 13, Fiza Javed 43, Amanda D Costa 16*; Katie Donovan 1/25, JK Andreano 1/18) beat Philippines 97/8 (Amelia Valdez 25, Elyza Wall 20; Amanda D Costa 4/21, Jayadhanya 1/12, Sushanthika Ashok 1/23, Fiza 1/7).