Oman pacer Bilal Khan set a new record as the fastest pacer to reach 100 wickets in ODIs. He achieved this milestone during an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Namibia in Dundee. The Pakistan-born bowler broke Shaheen Shah Afridi’s record, reaching the milestone in just 49 innings compared to Afridi’s 51. This achievement makes Bilal the third fastest overall to reach 100 wickets, behind only spinners Sandeep Lamichhane of Nepal (42 innings) and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan (44 innings).
Bilal Khan’s economical spell of 10-1-50-3 played a crucial role in restricting Namibia to 196/9 in 50 overs. Veteran Fayyaz Butt claimed two wickets, while Kaleemullah, Jay Odedra, and Shoaib Khan each took one wicket. In the second innings, Oman captain Aqib Ilyas anchored the chase with a resolute 68 off 129 deliveries, including five fours and a six. The 64-run partnership between Ilyas and Khalid Kail was crucial, although Kail’s valuable 43 was cut short by a run-out. Shoaib Khan’s unbeaten 26 then guided Oman to victory.
Oman chased down the total in 49.1 overs, winning the match by four wickets. Ilyas was awarded the Player of the Match for his steadfast 68. This victory marked Oman’s first win, following losses to Namibia and Scotland and a no result against Scotland.
In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 table, Canada leads with four wins from four matches. Namibia sits in second place with four wins from seven games played.
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