Oman shock Afghanistan to throw Group B race wide open

Ahmed's dismissal brought Singh and Vaibhav Wategaonkar together, with the scoreboard reading 49 for 2 in 8.3 overs. The duo then scripted another good stand of 38 off 35 balls before Shapoor Zadran had Wategaonkar caught for 11 in the 15th over.

With less than five overs remaining and wickets in hand, Oman's batsmen then decided to cut loose. Jatinder held one end up while Mehran Khan, the No. 5 batsman, assumed the role of aggressor in the partnership. Singh finally departed for a well-made 48-ball 40 studded with three boundaries and two sixes, but Mehran continued to fire, scoring 28 off 17 balls to take Oman to a formidable total with some help from the tail-enders.

Nabi, with the wickets of Zeeshan, Jatinder and Mehran, ended with figures of 3 for 28, ably supported by Aftab (2 for 38).

Afghanistan's chase got off to a brisk start, with Mohammad Shahzad, like he has done on numerous occasions in this competition so far, once again sending the fielders on a leather hunt. He struck 28 off 19 balls with the help of five fours and a six before Rajeshkumar Ranpura had him caught behind with his medium pace.

"It is a huge win for us, considering that Afghanistan are in the big league," said Mendis, the coach. "Batting first we got to a fighting total today, our fielding was excellent today, the boys took some brilliant catches and our bowling was also on target."

To view full scorecard, click here.